One way to use your Colour Doppler when performing a canine pregnancy scan

An increasing number of AUA members are turning to scanners with Doppler capability as their next ultrasound machine. Primarily, this is due to the higher resolution images they tend to produce (colour Doppler systems use higher spec graphics cards and other components, so even if you never use your colour, you still benefit from improvements in performance), but there are ways you can put your Colour Doppler to good use.

 

 

Remember that Doppler imparts higher levels of ultrasonic energy, and should be used sparingly over the foetus itself. Obstetric sonographer Yvette Lovis strong advises against using Colour Doppler over the foetus itself before 40 days, because the blood circulation is not mature enough to dissipate any potential heat energy generated by the Doppler setting. You can learn more about Colour Doppler, as well as developmental stages, in ‘Ultrasound for Canine Pregnancy Scanning’ – the book.