Determination of Gestation Time in Dogs by Measurement of Foetal Size

Establishing the gestation period in pregnant dogs is important to minimize neonatal loss and complications. This study aimed to predict the day of parturition using ultrasound to measure the inner chorionic cavity (ICC), biparietal parameter (BP) and crown to rump length (CRL) in 10 pregnant dogs. The measurements were taken once between days 21–34 of gestation. The results were inserted into various formulas to calculate days before parturition (DBP) and compared with actual parturition dates. The ICC measurement, using Luvoni and Grioni’s and Groppetti et al.’s formulas, showed the highest accuracy (94 %). The study enhances methods for predicting parturition in dogs, improving prenatal care and reducing neonatal losses.