Hi .I have been thinking a bit after my girls scan at day 28 in her pregnancy..
It was not easy to find and se sacs but the scanner found one clear sac with an embryo. She could se some more sacs but not as clearly as this one and therefore she wants to se my girl next week again.

Is it more difficult to scan certain dog- breeds due to size, bodymass-depth etc? and does the best suitable day for pregnancy detecetionscan differ between dog-breeds?

Thankfull for answers!!!

28 days is the earliest that Keith likes to do them from the second mating, so fingers crossed more can be seen next week

I've found day 35 to be the best for my dogs

If I am going to scan I wait till day 38/9 from first tie to be sure there is a viable pregnancy before starting the daily worming regime and increasing food to puppy kibble.

Day 28 can be too early if they ovulated/conceived later than thought.

izzi was done 27 days from 1st mate she has them from 2nd mateing ,scanner saw 3 she had 5 so i wouldnt worry im sure more will be seen next week :)

Thanks everyone for your answers. Well, we will se next week how many the scanner lady can see.

But I still wonder if difficulties with seeing sacs can be breedrelated.

Just to remind anyone reading this thread.  You shouldn't expect the scanner to be spot on with numbers.  Unless of course, they are sheep scanners.

Most vets will only confirm pregnancy, and won't give exact numbers.

Yes that is true JeanW.
But what I am wondering about most is, if  it is common that it is so difficult  to  se sacs with embryos or if it could be releted to what breed the dog is. Also if the best scanday can be related to the dogs breed.

Those questions havent been answered yet.

(but off course I hope the scannerlady can se more than one "filled sac" next time)

id say it is so .because she dogs are very deep chested so some can hide very well high up.

I have had my girls  scanned twice, the first scan saw 3 and she had 6, the second scan (different girl) saw 4 and she had 8. hhhmmm.

I never get a true numbers count for my large breed, it does make a difference with size of dogs Merlot was twice scanned as having 5/6 and had 9 both times. I usually scan at 28 days and try again at 35 if there is a possibility of small numbers. Really I just use it as confirmation of pregnancy.

> Is it more difficult to scan certain dog- breeds due to size, bodymass-depth etc? and does the best suitable day for pregnancy detecetionscan differ between dog-breeds?

I've found huge differences between numbers seen on the vet's scanner and numbers actually born. Our main breed is a large deep chested working breed.

Our two toy litters have been totally accurate. Yes, I do think it's easier to count accurately on the smaller breeds where the pups don't seem to be able to hide up under the ribs.

I also think time of scanning makes a difference. And the equipment and expertise of the person doing the scan - all these things make a difference.

I'm a big fan of Sam Wilkinson. Word is in the car park at Wey Farm that she even manages to be accurate with the larger breeds. Sam recommends scanning at 35 days, whatever the breed.

Thanks  for all answers everyone!!
The ultrasound-machine  the scan-lady uses is not one of the newest either. So maybe that is one of the reasons it was difficult to sacs.

Well, the scan was very cheap  and confirmed pregnancy, the most importent for me. We are going back this week (for free) and hope more sacs are seen.
Xray are booked to day 56 in pregnacy to have a more exact count of puppies. With giant breeds this is especially important due to problems with labour that starts good and then stops (dont remember the medical term)

>Yes, I do think it's easier to count accurately on the smaller breeds where the pups don't seem to be able to hide up under the ribs.<br />

:-)  :-)  :-)

Just as a matter of interest.  I have a breed where normal litter size is 1 - 3 pups.  One of my bitches was carrying one pup.  :-)

It was easily felt, I imagine that with large breeds you're not able to feel the shape of the whole body.    I could feel the whole outline.

My bitch was in early stages of labour, and was laid beside me on the settee.  She was panting, but resting on her side.  I put my hand gently on her side while I sat reading.  I actually felt something like a tidal wave, as pup number 2 moved down from under the ribcage.  It was the most marvellous feeling. 

So never say never.  :-)

Secondary inertia is when things suddenly stop progressing.

>   I actually felt something like a tidal wave, as pup number 2 moved down from under the ribcage.  It was the most marvellous feeling.

Aah, how lovely! As you say, never say never!

I must say it's a lot easier to see when the small breeds have finished whelping as they regain their normal shape almost immediately (well, sort of!) As opposed to our big girls where as you say, it's not possible to feel the shape of the body. But I suppose that also has a lot to do with the relative ratios of pup size to size of dam. And all the extra fluid too.

Update!!! Scan today showed 3-4 puppies!!!  Iam very happy and the scenario in my thoughts, with one puppy and a whelping that want start by it self , is lesser.

plz have in your head she could still have more even at this stage they can hide!! ;) but very plz for you :)

> Update!!! Scan today showed 3-4 puppies!!!

Good news indeed!

Thanks white lilly and Esme!!!
Yes there is a possibilty of more puppys hiding. Xray will tell.!!