Comparative Pregnancy Diagnosis

Question 1

Which species is/are 1º palpated trans-rectally for preg. dx?

Answer 1

Cows

Mares are sometimes, usually are done via U/s instead

Question 2

Which species is/are trans-abdominally palpated for pregnancy dx?

Answer 2

Bitch & queen

Question 3

Pros of U/S & Imaging for pregnancy dx

Answer 3

• high accuracy
• can be used early in gestation
• can determine fetal viability, sex, gestational age

Question 4

Biomarker of pregnancy in cows

Answer 4

Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) from the placenta

Question 5

4 cardinal signs of pregnancy in cows

Answer 5

1. Membrane slip (35d)
2. Amniotic vesicle (35d)
3. Placentomes (75d)
4. Fetus (65d)

Question 6

What day in mares does the embryo cease shifting position around both uterine horns/permanently implants?

Answer 6

Day 16
- best to resolve known fetal issues prior to day 16 (ones solved via abortion)

note the progression of embryo after day 16

Question 7

Leading cause of non-infectious abortion in mares

Answer 7

Twins
- best resolved prior to implantation (day 16)

Mare uterus = Bicornuate - Cruciform

Question 8

Pregnancy dx in small ruminants

Answer 8

Failure to return to estrus ; u/s
- 21d for does
- 17 days for ewes

Question 9

How are gilts/sows dx for pregnancy

Answer 9

Behavior + U/s
- Non-return to estrus (21d) with heat check boar
- Abd u/s

Question 10

How is the bitch diagnosed for pregnancy?

Answer 10

• abd palpation (string of pearls 21-28d post ov)
• u/s transabd (day 28-30 post ov)
• rads (day 40-45 post ov - clinically day 50-55 for optimal mineralization)

Question 11

How is the queen pregnancy dx?

Answer 11

• Behavior: failure to return to estrus (7-14d post ov)
• transabd u/s (28d post mating)
• abd palp
• rads (mineralization>41d from ov.)
• Relaxin (hormonal testing)