Reproductive & Pregnancy Imaging for Dogs & Cats
Whether monitoring a planned pregnancy, evaluating fertility, or investigating reproductive tract disease, ultrasound is the essential imaging modality for the reproductive system. It provides real-time visualization of the uterus, ovaries, and developing fetuses without radiation exposure.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), our board-certified radiologists use high-resolution ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, assess fetal viability and development, detect dystocia risk factors, and diagnose uterine and ovarian disease — helping breeders, veterinarians, and pet owners make informed decisions.
SVI offers reproductive ultrasound services at our centers in Round Rock, Texas; Spring, Texas; and Sandy, Utah.
Common Reproductive Conditions We Evaluate
Reproductive ultrasound serves two primary roles: pregnancy management and disease diagnosis. Our radiologists are experienced with both, providing accurate assessments whether the goal is monitoring a healthy pregnancy or identifying reproductive pathology.
Pregnancy Confirmation & Monitoring
Ultrasound confirms pregnancy as early as 25–28 days post-breeding in dogs and detects fetal heartbeats shortly after. Fetal viability is assessed by measuring heart rates, which predict fetal stress when abnormally low. Gestational aging using fetal measurements helps predict whelping dates. Serial ultrasound evaluations monitor fetal development, detect fetal distress, and identify risk factors for dystocia (difficult birth), enabling proactive intervention when needed.
Learn more about pregnancy ultrasound →Pyometra & Uterine Disease
Pyometra (uterine infection) is a life-threatening emergency in intact female dogs and cats. Ultrasound rapidly confirms the diagnosis by showing a fluid-filled, distended uterus and helps assess severity. It also distinguishes pyometra from other uterine conditions like mucometra and hydrometra. In spayed females presenting with vaginal discharge, ultrasound can detect stump pyometra — infection of the residual uterine tissue. Rapid diagnosis guides emergency surgical decisions.
Learn more about pyometra →Ovarian Disease & Masses
Ovarian disease can cause abnormal heat cycles, behavioral changes, vulvar discharge, and hormonal imbalances. Ultrasound identifies ovarian cysts, tumors (including granulosa cell tumors, the most common ovarian neoplasm in dogs), and ovarian remnant tissue in spayed females with persistent estrous behavior. Characterization of ovarian masses helps guide surgical planning and prognosis.
Learn more about ovarian conditions →Dystocia & Whelping Complications
When labor stalls or complications arise during whelping, ultrasound provides real-time assessment of fetal viability, heart rates, and positioning. Declining fetal heart rates (below 180 bpm in dogs) indicate fetal distress and may necessitate emergency cesarean section. Ultrasound also identifies retained fetuses and uterine inertia, helping veterinarians make time-critical decisions about medical vs. surgical intervention.
Learn more about dystocia assessment →Testicular & Male Reproductive Disease
Testicular ultrasound evaluates mass lesions, identifies retained (cryptorchid) testicles that carry elevated cancer risk, and assesses for orchitis (testicular inflammation). The three most common testicular tumors in dogs — Sertoli cell tumor, seminoma, and interstitial cell tumor — have overlapping but distinguishable ultrasound features. For cryptorchid dogs, ultrasound locates the retained testicle within the abdomen or inguinal canal to guide surgical removal.
Learn more about testicular conditions →Breeds Commonly Affected
Reproductive conditions have notable breed predispositions. Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers have high dystocia rates due to brachycephalic conformation. Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers have elevated ovarian tumor risk. Large and giant breeds are more susceptible to pyometra. Cryptorchidism is more common in Chihuahuas, Miniature Schnauzers, and Pomeranians. Breeding dogs of all breeds benefit from routine pregnancy monitoring with ultrasound.
How Reproductive Ultrasound Helps
Ultrasound is the only imaging modality that provides real-time visualization of the reproductive tract and developing fetuses without radiation exposure. This makes it safe for repeated use during pregnancy and essential for monitoring fetal viability. High-resolution transducers allow our radiologists to assess uterine wall thickness, ovarian architecture, fetal anatomy, and fetal heart rates with precision.
Our board-certified radiologists work closely with your veterinarian and, when appropriate, reproductive specialists to ensure the most accurate assessment and optimal timing for breeding, whelping, or surgical intervention.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Reproductive ultrasound typically takes 20–40 minutes, depending on whether the focus is pregnancy monitoring or disease evaluation. Most pets tolerate the exam well with gentle restraint. No fasting is required for most reproductive ultrasound studies, though a partially full bladder can improve visualization.
Results are available the same day, with detailed reports including fetal counts (when applicable), heart rate measurements, gestational aging estimates, and any abnormal findings. For whelping emergencies, findings are communicated in real time.
Learn more about veterinary ultrasound at Sage →Why Choose Sage Veterinary Imaging
Get Answers for Your Pet
Whether you need pregnancy confirmation, fetal monitoring, whelping guidance, or evaluation of reproductive tract disease, ultrasound provides the real-time diagnostic information your veterinarian needs.
Schedule a Reproductive Ultrasound
Visit one of our three locations to learn more and schedule your pet’s reproductive imaging evaluation.
Reproductive & Pregnancy Imaging FAQ
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Ready to Get Answers?
Reproductive ultrasound provides the real-time guidance your veterinarian needs for pregnancy management and reproductive health. Visit one of our locations to get started.