소형 애완견에서 초음파 검사에 의한 임신 구조물의 성장 곡선

Serial ultrasonographic examinations were daily performed from 15 days after ovulation until parturition to determine the growth curve of gestational structures in pregnant Maltese, Yorkshire terrier, Shih-tzu, and Miniature Schnauzer bitches, respectively. Gestational age was timed from the day of ovulation (day 0), which was estimated to occur when plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml. The inner chorionic cavity diameter were significantly and linearly relative to gestational age especially days 20 to 40, and the fetal head diameter were significantly and linearly relative to gestational age especial1y day 40 to parturition. These results indicate that inner chorionic cavity diameter were the most accurate for estimating gestational age before day 38 of gestation and the fetal head diameter were after day 38 of gestation.