Ultrasonographic analysis of fetal gastrointestinal motility during the peripartum period in the dog.

The aim of this study was to investigate fetal gastrointestinal motility (FGM) of dogs using ultrasonic imaging and its association with vaginal and rectal temperature, serum progesterone concentrations and fetal heart rate. Pregnant bitches were examined after day 54 of gestation and there were determinations of vaginal and rectal temperature and serum progesterone concentrations. The fetal abdomen was evaluated for 30 s using longitudinal and transversal assessments, and FGM was scored as 0 (no peristalsis) or 1 (evident peristalsis).

Evaluation of serum C-reactive protein concentration as a marker of impending parturition and correlation with progesterone profile in peri-partum bitches.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the major acute phase proteins in dogs. It is produced by the liver and rapidly increases in response to an inflammatory stimulus. The aim of this study was to measure CRP concentrations around parturition and to verify whether this protein could be useful, together with progesterone (P), to detect the onset of parturition in bitches.