A bitch came to a friend’s stud dog just over a month ago. My friend phoned the owner of the bitch this morning to see how things were going and was told, “I had the vet do a blood test and she’s missed.”

I’ve never heard of a blood test to determine pregnancy, has anyone heard of, or does anyone know anything about such a test?

Regards, John

in the book of the bitch it says there is a blood test that can be done 28 to 37 days after mating. It measures plasma proteins which are elevated in pregnant bitches. It says it has a good degree of accuracy. If you have the book it's page 79 of the new edition

Must get the new edition!

It came out a few years back John, but when I asked my vet the test worked out dearedr than scanning, so I opted for that. If the test comes down in price, it might wel be worth using, as I only use the scan to confirm pregnancy, as have never found them accurate for numbers for me!

Thanks folks, you learn something every day! I had never heard of it before!

Best wishes to you both, John

I took my bitch for a scan Tuesday which was inconclusive and I was offered a blood test. I had never heard of this before myself and declined the offer. I am taking her back next week for another scan. If this does not confirm then only time will tell. The trouble is I am not sure if she was mated and if she was it was only a slip mating. Her first and last season was a phantom and she certainly thinks shes in whelp again this time even if she isnt!!! Life is never dull when you have bitches and dogs living in the same household.

the blood tests may be all well and good-but cant beat the thrill of seeing those little black blobs on a scanner :)