I have heard of some people getting this blood test done instead of scanning and  when I was researching it, there had been claims that in small litters of 3 or less, false negative results had been recorded. I know that most vets tend to scan as routine procedure for predicting pregnancy, but as a matter of interest has anyone had experience of using this test and have had false negatives. Myself, I cant see the benefit of this test over scanning but would be interested in other peoples opinions!

Also,  why will  most vet these days not palpate? I heard one vet say that palpation can only be done on cats to predict pregnancy. Surely before scanners where about, this would of been a common procedure.       

Have never had these blood tests pinklady, we usually scan our females, our vet wont palpate she feels it is a little dangerous, it can only be done at a certain time anyway, i wouldnt want her to palpate anyway. dont know what other people think?

i dont like palpating ,but my vet says its safe ? but im not sure ,the only thing i can go on is her 1st litter she was palpated and there was 3 empty sacks didnt do it this time and there where none !!

oh right,  who knows? i ll wait to get my female scanned, she is her normal self at moment, i just get dreaded feeling she will miss, or am i ever the pesimist? long journey and expensive, all i want is a stunning puppy off her to keep this bloodline.

good luck hun im sure you will !!! ;)

Thank you White Lilly

I have found Relaxin to be 100% reliable if done from day 35.The manufacturers state that it is 100% accurate from day 30,however,it has been my experience that you can obtain false negative results at this stage if the bitch is carrying a small litter.

stud -dog, have you actually had a negative result and gone on to to have a small litter?

The only benefit of this test, over a scans  is probably in Zoos  and places like that, were they can just draw a quick blood sample and have an idea from a  breeding managment point of view. Obviously under the circumstances they wouldn't bring these wild canines in for in for scanning!! 

> have found Relaxin to be 100% reliable if done from day 35.

Thing is by then my Vet would have told me by palpation (day 25 -28) or by scan (days 28 - 30) so why would I wait for a less reliable test at day 35, but which time I can normally see myself the bitch is pregnant.

Yes I have had a negative result at 30 days and re tested again at 35 days and obtained a positive result ,this particular bitch had 3 pups.

So the answer to the original question is yes if the bitch is carrying a small litter then you may obtain a false negative at 30 days.