Diagnosis of Pregnancy and Estimation of Litter Size by Abdominal Palpation in Van Cats

Abstract

Pet owners usually consult veterinarian in order to find out whether their pet is pregnant or not, and if pregnant, to learn the number of foetuses. In cats, pregnancy can be diagnosed by abdominal palpation (Mailhac, 1982), abdominal radiography (Boyd, 1971), and abdominal ultrasound (Davidson, et al, 1986). The present study has been designed to determine the reliability of the diagnosis of pregnancy by abdominal palpation, the intervals in the diagnosis of pregnancy, and the number of foetuses.