Pregnancy Diagnosis by Biochemical Changes During Pregnancy in Bitches

The present study was carried out to find out the biochemical changes during different stages of pregnancy in bitches and its significance in pregnancy diagnosis. Twenty one pedigreed bitches were divided into 3 groups viz. Group 1 (Control - bitches showed only heat signs but not mated), Group 2 (Pseudopregnant bitches - bitches mated but later exhibited overt signs of pseudopregnancy) and Group 3 (Pregnant bitches - bitches mated and confirmed as pregnant). The blood plasma protein and albumin was estimated on 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of post mating in treatment groups and also in control group. There was a marked fall in the total plasma protein level by 21st day in pregnant bitches (6.36±0.04 g/dl) when compared to pseudopregnant (6.49±0.12 g/dl) and control groups (6.57±0.17 g/dl). During pregnancy, the fetal growth and survival and supply of protein precursors for bio-synthesis of other proteins causes fall in the level of plasma protein and albumin. Hence, this can be used for early pregnancy diagnosis in addition to abdominal palpation and ultrasonography.