If you own a dog or cat that is not spayed, you may wonder how to tell if your pet is pregnant or not. You certainly do not want the subject pet pregnancy left up in the air, and the sooner you have information, the better. At Westside Vet in Statesboro, GA, we offer pregnancy check appointments for cats and dogs. Read on to learn more about the methods we use to check for pet pregnancy.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can be used to detect pregnancy in dogs and cats. A veterinarian will look for a specific hormone called relaxin, which is produced by the placenta as it develops. It may take several weeks after insemination for the hormone to be detected, but it can provide an accurate idea of pregnancy if other methods fail.
Abdominal Palpation Test
Another easy way to check for pregnancy is to carefully press down on the pet's abdomen. Our vet will feel for uterine swelling, which can indicate that your pet is pregnant. This method is useful based on the size and type of pet as well as how far along the pregnancy may be. The number of fetuses can also impact the reliability of this test. This kind of test does not provide as much information about the pregnancy as others might.
Abdominal X-Rays
An x-ray can provide additional information about a dog or cat that is pregnant, particularly in the last trimester. Our vet will be able to see the bones of the fetuses and may be able to determine the viability of the pregnancy.
Abdominal Ultrasound for Pregnancy
Ultrasound is one of the most reliable ways to check for a pet pregnancy. Even just a few weeks after a dog or cat becomes pregnant, our veterinarian can use this test to confirm your pet is pregnant. Most veterinarians have ultrasound equipment on hand so that they can get a good look at the developing puppies or kittens.
Schedule a Pregnancy Check with Our Veterinarian in Statesboro, GA
Westside Vet in Statesboro, GA, is a full-service animal hospital. We provide routine medical treatment in addition to pregnancy checks for your pets. If a pregnancy check determines your pet is pregnant, our veterinarian will assess your pet’s condition and help you decide how to proceed. Call us today at (912) 489-1998 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.
