How Do I preform an ultrasound with my new machine?
A Comprehensive Guide to Performing an Ultrasound on a Pregnant Dog
Before You Begin:
1. Equipment and Supplies:
Ultrasound machine: Purchase a veterinary-grade ultrasound machine suitable for canine examinations. Our Trueview 5000 is our most popular. It is a great price and is suitable for canine pregnancy
Ultrasound gel: Ensure you have an ample supply of water-based ultrasound gel.
Towels or absorbent pads: These are handy for cleaning up any excess gel or fluids.
2. Familiarize Yourself:
Check out our ultrasound image gallery displaying reproductive images and canine anatomy.
Performing the Ultrasound:
1. Prepare the Environment:
Choose a calm and quiet area for the examination.
Make sure the dog is comfortable and relaxed, either lying down or gently restrained.
2. Acquaint the Dog with the Ultrasound Machine:
Allow your dog to sniff and investigate the ultrasound machine to alleviate any anxiety.
Switch on the machine and let it emit some sound to help familiarize the dog with the noise.
3. Apply Ultrasound Gel:
Squeeze an adequate amount of ultrasound gel onto your hand and gently spread it over the dog's abdomen.
Ensure the gel covers the area where the puppies are located, typically just behind the ribcage and towards the hindquarters.
4. Position the Transducer:
Hold the ultrasound transducer parallel to the dog's body and make gentle, circular motions over the abdomen.
Apply light pressure to obtain good contact between the transducer and the skin.
5. Scan Methodically:
Start scanning at the ribcage area and move towards the hindquarters, gradually covering the entire abdomen.
Take note of the orientation of the transducer and the corresponding ultrasound image on the screen.
6. Observe and Document:
Familiarize yourself with the appearance of various structures, such as the uterus, fetal sacs, and developing puppies.
Count the number of puppies and assess their size, position, and movement.
Take clear images or video clips of significant findings for reference and documentation.
7. Book an online appointment with our ultrasound technologist below (1 session included in purchase):