Hi, Can anybody reccomend a reliable person who scans in the Derby area? I've a bitch who looks as if she has missed for the second time running and I'm in two minds about having her scanned. She had a first litter with no problems but no luck since. She should be five and a half weeks gone now, and I was optimistic that she had taken up to four and a half weeks, but I'm wondering if she has re-absorbed. I was reading about having your bitch scanned to see if she is re-absorbing or just not conceiving, but I don't know if it's a good idea or not? Any input would be gratefully received. I'm really gutted. I did put her on a course of Ceporex from the first day of her season, as recommended by the owner of the stud after she missed last time. Regards Karen

Hi, fingers crossed! Fraid I dont know of a scanner in your area, but does your vet not have a scanner? Although she may have re-absorbed by now the optimum date for re-absorbtion, as I understand it, is at 42 days ( 6 weeks) and ANY stress around that time may trigger a re-absorbtion. If it were my bitch I would wait until about 6 1/2 weeks before scanning, about 45-46 days after the last mating. Then if there are pups there, you wont compromise them by scanning. If she is hairy breed (like mine) I trim their tums at home before I go to the vet, rather than have them do it and they are scanned standing up. I wont let them be made to lie down and be turned over, to make it as stress free as possible.