Abdominal ultrasound provides valuable clinical information about the peritoneal cavity, great vessels, abdominal viscera and lymph nodes obtained in a noninvasive fashion, with no confirmed adverse biologic effects, and usually not necessitating sedation or anesthesia.

The practice of ovulation timing has become increasingly useful to veterinarians who recognize its value in improving reproductive services.

The periparturient period can be associated with high morbidity and even mortality for the dam and neonates.

In the bitch and queen, documented abnormalities of the estrous cycle, pregnancy and the periparturient period, and even disorders of the residual reproductive tract in ovariohysterectomized females, call for ultrasonographic evaluation of the uterus and ovaries.

The normal uterus is best located by scanning transversely between the urinary bladder and the colon.

The use of ultrasound as a tool in canine and feline reproduction has expanded from its initial role in early pregnancy diagnosis to its current use in the approach to clinical reproduction (obstetrics, infertility, urogenital disorders and pediatrics).

Average reported neonatal mortality rates (greatest during the first week of life) vary, ranging from 9-26%.

Dystocia is defined as difficulty in the normal vaginal delivery of a neonate from the uterus. Dystocia must be diagnosed in a timely fashion for medical or surgical intervention to improve outcome.

Pediatric patients are commonly presented to the veterinarian because of signs referable to the abdominal cavity due to congenital anomalies, dietary indiscretion, parasitic infestation and infectious disease.