Very disappointed today to hear of a bitch that my dog mated 6 weeks ago is not in whelp according to scan. They had 2 very good ties and he is proven. Another friend had a bitch scanned last year and vet said definately no pups but she went on to have 6, just hoping now that human error is the case here.

Sorry to hear that - what do you think though?  I had a bitch scanned today at 4+ weeks and vet thinks only 3 or 4.  I did think she was scanning quite low down as she normally carries high up under her ribs.  She has definately thickened around her middle so we hope for a couple more than scan shows. 
From reading previous threads on here, vet scans are not very reliable number wise. 
All I really wanted to know was if indeed she was in whelp as its my boys proving litter - and I'm obviously delighted.

I am in a quandry really. I think 6 weeks is rather late to scan, I prefer 4 weeks but everyone has different preferences. It is worrying me as they are both proven, she has had 2 previous litters and he has sired 5 large litters. I worry about either of them picking up an infection that has led to fertility problems etc. I used him 2 weeks ago so now have to wait till I get my bitch scanned to see if the fault lies with him or it is just that the bitch missed.
Really pleased that your boy is now proven, it makes you breathe a sigh of relief doesn't it?
The lady that has the bitch has said that she thought her temperament had changed slightly, more clingy, off food at 3 weeks gone etc, I know vet scans can be less than reliable and hope this falls into this category, the only other thing I can think if she was showing these signs is that she has re-absorbed.

I hope they haven't got an infection.  Do you ask for bitches to be swabbed prior to being mated with your boy?  I do hope all will be ok.  Perhaps the scan is wrong and if subtle signs are/were there she might have the odd one or two hiding away.
Keep us informed of any news.

Will do and thank you for your concern. No I haven't ever asked for bitches to be swabbed before, maybe it is something that I should now insist on. I am keeping fingers and toes crossed for a positive outcome

thinks only 3 or 4.    What's wrong with 3 or 4?

Last year I heard of an awful lot of bitches missing. Seems very strange doesn't it.

Hi Floradora, 6 weeks is perfectly fine to scan. Shouldn't make much difference. I prefer mine actually scanned at 5 1/2 to 6 weeks.

Hi,
Personally I don't scan.
They either are in whelp and pups will arrive, or there not and you have to wait another six months.
I have read so many threads on here about scanning and vets getting it wrong, so I wouldn't worry and it all re-enforces the fact I don't scan. I rely on knowing my girls and watching them closely.
Don't rely on a scan.
Good Luck :-)

Hi All,

Thanks for the info passed, I will pass it on to the bitch owner. She said she is having another scan done in 10 days, it does worry you though especially as I have used him on one of my bitches, have another 3 weeks to wait till I find out with her though. I never usewd to sacn but have done with the last 3 litters. I use a retired midwife funnily enough that bought secondhand equiptment from the hospital when she retired, she is also a dog breeder but touch wood has not been wrong yet. I did advise the bitch owner to use her but she wanted to use her vets. Will let you know in 10 days. Thanks again x

Reply to Alison, Yes I heard of that too, very odd. perhaps the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in our water has something to do with it?

Floradora. Some miss that is life.  If it happened repeated or regularly then yes I would be worried in fact I wouldnt' be worried even at that :-) I don't worry about these things.

We as humans did all conceive on first attempts :-D

Thanks Blue, I am a bit of a worrier but you have put it into perspective.

it;s still disappointing though. sorry to hear that floradora. you never know though, see how it goes! vets are very often wrong!