my vet has just told me that i should have my girls scan 5/6 weeks after last mating, does this not sound late for the scan? as i though you could have them after 4 weeks. so when is the best time? and is this the best way to find out if we are expecting puppies? thanks for your help. scarlet

To be honest by that time I could see if my bitch is in whelp (if carrying an average litter) without the need for a scan.

This could mean your vet isn't very expert at scanning, as it gets easier for them the longer it goes.

28-32 days since last mating is the best time as at that point in time it is very easy to see and count whats there as they are just black eggs shapes. Any later that that and yes you can confirm pregancy but its alot harder to tell whats what.
I had a scan on my girl done at 31 days and it was very clear, she had another scan 2 weeks later and i couldnt tell what i was seeing but thankfully my scanner was still fine!!

i had mine scanned at 21 days to confirm rpegnant, then they did another at 29 days, she wasnt as comfy having the 2nd one done this time though, and fidgeted lots!

Some bitches will show at 5/6 weeks so you don't really need a scan on them but other bitches (one Ive had) you could look at, at 6 weeks and be sure shes not...and be wrong.

My vet will scan at 4 weeks but he prefers 5 weeks.

I find it depends on the qualty of scanner.

The mobile ones are OK around the 28 day mark, after that the fluids make it hard to see.

Our vet can see the Embryos from 12 days onwards very good image and not far wrong.

Good Luck

does anyone know of a better experianced vet at scanning in the devon area? never had much to do with my vet really as i'v only visited for checkups and boosters. we had all the health tests done at our old vets who were very good,but that was up North when we lived in manchester. we have only been with this vst for 7/8 months so not to sure of their experiance but as for scanning they dont seem to do as well as some of your's, if they said to wait 5/6 weeks after last mating for a scan i'm not sure their very good. thanks scarlet

> she wasnt as comfy having the 2nd one done this time though, and fidgeted lots!

which is why I don't ever put my girls through it.

I know soon enough if they're pregnant without messing them around.