Hello again ,
another enquiry regarding scans :)would you expect to see puppies(large breed) at 22 days via USS??? or is it possible to clearly identify them? does this depend on the which probe/scanner is used to get the better picture via different lengths of transmission? if the probe was not effective enough in a large breed big bitch ciuld the sound transmissions pick up other organs and reflect them back so making up non existant organs?? (does that make sence)
at 22 days could you see pyo via USS? if so clearly?
if a bladder and liver was located easily and possibly the uterus but the uterus was presenting with round waves on the unterine wall - could this suggest the uterus was infact the intestines??
Im asking all these question as im not entiley happy with my vet practice and the locum vet's scanning skills.
and have paid out large sum of money for 1st scans and repeats because of the bleeding and possible infection in my bitch.. and now im coming to terms with the loss im trying to get the whole picture in chronalogical order and work ouot weather i can trust then to perfom USS effectively for next time or if i should go else where.

Thank you all so much for all your help it is much appreciated xxxxxxxxx
Sarah xx

An experienced vet / U/S operator would be able to see conceptuses at 22 days, (from ovulation not neccesarily from mating) but it is earlier than the optimum time if scanning for pregnancy diagnosis.

The probe is not really an issue as long as the settings are correct and the correct depth of penetration is being used.

you can see a pyometra at any time, ie no relevance if she is 22 days post mating, if she has a pyometra it would be clearly seen as fluid in the uterus.

a friend of mine took her bitch at 18days after mating with an possible infection( pyo) vet couldnt see anything but gave ab's just incase he also couldnt see any whelps but after speacking to another vet for her it was far to early to see them but pyo would be seen if present ,a good scaner could/would see whelps from 28days from last mating without any problems .

Depending on the experience of the person doing the scan - you can start to see the conceptuses from day 18, certainly from day 22 and easily by day 28 from the first mating.

A bitch can get pyometra at any time during her cycle, so as i said before the time post mating is irrelevant.

Thank to you all who have answered my Q's .
We usually havev ours scanned around 28-33 days optimum time for a definate yes or no...
but could the intestines been mistaken for the conceptuses in the unterine wall?
the image on the screen was very unclear and the vet (locum) said it could either be conceptuses or the scanning probe not being effective to transmit the signals clear enough and could be bouncing off other organs to make  what he thought was the uterine wall but was not sure lol- when i called the other lady who scans for a living she said it was probably the intestine...... uterine wall or intestine ..... i think anyone who is undertaking an USS should be able to identify these organs...
oh and when is the best time to hear fetal heart beats via a stethoscope???

Thanks everyone xxx

I think anyone doing a scan should be able to identify the outline of the uterus clearly. The easiest thing is to change the view by moving the probe 90 degrees & this will give you the image from another angle, making it clear if unsure that you are looking at the outline of the uterus. The conceptuses however should be small & dark, very different from the uterus / intestines.

Thanks Smudgley- :0)
I will invest in a better scanner xxxxx
Thanks everyone xxx