Reliability of Two Formulae Employing Foetal and Extra Foetal Parameters in Predicting Whelping Dates

Predicting whelping is crucial because solely depending on the gestation period calculated from the first day of mating does not provide an accurate estimation of the expected delivery date in female dogs. The study aimed to determine the accuracy of predicting the whelping dates in different sized dogs based on the formulas of foetal (BPD) and extrafoetal (ICC) calculations developed.

Ultrasonographic foetometry is utilized to forecast the parturition date in dogs, opening up new avenues for improved obstetrical care in canines. For this, the whelping predictions with these two formula calculations were compared to the real whelping dates. A total of 62 ICC and 52 BPD measurements were taken from 114 healthy female dogs.

The range of prediction accuracy for ICC extended between 43.5% and 100% (± 2 days), whereas for BPD, it varied from 21.2% to 100% (±2 days). Comparing the prediction accuracy of formulas proposed by Luvoni and Grioni (2000) with those by Mattoon and Nyland (2002) revealed a statistically significant difference. Greater accuracy in prediction was reported in dogs with normal or medium litters than compared to dogs with high or low litters.