Use of Ultrasound Fetal Mensuration for prediction of date of whelping in Canines*

Early and accurate determination of canine gestational age is useful for predicting and managing parturition. 18 bitches of different breeds were scanned in three different phases at 20-25^th day, 30-35^th day and 45-50^th day after last mating by using portable B-mode ultrasound scanner for obtaining fetal measurements. With the help of fetal measurements gestational age and days required for whelping were calculated. During phase I the average gestational sac diameter (GsD) was 1.18 ± 0.06 cm and the gestational age by using formula I was found to be 27.10 ± 0.37 days. The expected date required for whelping was 37.89 ± 0.37 days. During phase II crown rump length (CRL) was 2.46 ± 0.15 cm and the gestational age by using formula II was 34.38 ± 0.47 days. The days required for whelping was found to be 30.62 ± 0.47 days. During phase III head diameter (HD) was 1.99 ± 0.05 cm. and body diameter (BD) was 2.63 ± 0.09 cm. The gestational age calculated by using formula III was 49.60 ± 0.90 days, by using formula IV it was 47.44 ± 0.63 days. With formula V, the estimated gestational age was 49.88 ± 0.47 days. The days required for whelping by using formula III, IV and V was found to be 15.07 ± 0.78 days, 17.56 ± 0.63 days and 15.29 ± 0.49 days respectively. The gestational length was 61.89 ± 0.44 days.