ASK THE PET: PET PREGNANCY TESTS ARE AVAILABLE

Question: I know there are pregnancy tests that are performed in humans. Are these tests available for dogs as well?

Answer: There is a relatively new test for pregnancy in dogs. The test is apparently accurate as soon as 21 days after conception. The test requires a blood sample and 20 minutes to complete. Most veterinarians charge between $20 and $30. The problem with the test is that pregnancy can usually be detected by palpation of the animal after 28 days. Palpation may not be quite as accurate as blood test, but it does have one advantage, it does not have an expiration date.

Pregnancy tests must be used before they expire or their purchasing price is lost. Since veterinarians are rarely asked to perform pregnancy tests, and since pregnancy usually can be manually detected in another seven days, many veterinarians do not stock the tests.

Pregnancy tests are very popular in humans, but you must remember the gestation period for people is nine months. In dogs, the interval between conception and delivery is only two months. If the canine pregnancy test becomes popular, it will be no doubt be available in all veterinary offices.