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Foetal resorption is one of those hidden aspects of canine pregnancy that many pet owners- and even some breeders- don’t fully understand. But for scanning professionals, this natural yet complex process offers a valuable opportunity to elevate the level of care you provide, while also expanding your service offerings in a meaningful and ethical way.
What Is Foetal Resorption, and Why Does It Matter?
Foetal resorption refers to the process in which a non-viable foetus is absorbed back into the mother’s body. This can happen at any point during gestation, though it’s more common before day 45. The foetus, placenta, and surrounding tissue are gradually broken down and reabsorbed—often without any visible symptoms.
While it’s a natural occurrence, especially in larger litters, it’s still important to monitor these pregnancies closely—not just for the sake of accuracy in confirming pregnancy status, but also for the welfare of the animal.
Resorption can result from various factors:
Post-Alizin Scanning: Responsible Care, Repeat Business
Another key area where scanning plays a vital welfare role is after the administration of abortive medications, such as Alizin. While Alizin is commonly used for accidental or unwanted pregnancies, it’s not enough to rely on the medication alone. Follow-up ultrasound scans are essential to ensure that the medication has worked fully and that no foetal material remains. Incomplete resorption or retained tissue can pose health risks to the mother.
By offering post-Alizin monitoring as a standard part of your service, you position yourself as a professional who prioritises animal welfare and understands the full scope of reproductive care. We’ve previously written in more detail about Alizin and its associated risks, which you can read HERE.
From Single Scan to Comprehensive Service
Too often, scanning is treated as a “one-off” job—confirm the pregnancy and move on. But cases of foetal resorption or risk-prone pregnancies (such as singleton litters) show us why a more comprehensive service matters.
Regular follow-up scans:
Offering progress scans or resorption monitoring not only raises the standard of care you provide but also creates an opportunity to build repeat business and deepen client relationships. Many of your clients may not even realise this service is available until you make it part of your offering.
Real Case: The Power of a ScanPad in the Right Hands
Joanne Smith, a dedicated and highly experienced scanner, recently shared a case that underscores all of the above. She was scanning a pregnant dog carrying a singleton pup—a situation that naturally carries a higher risk of complications. Sadly, the foetus was found to be non-viable and is currently undergoing resorption.
Thanks to her careful documentation, Joanne now has rare and high-quality before-and-after images of the same foetus as the resorption process progresses. These images not only provide an invaluable case study but also demonstrate the incredible longevity and quality of her equipment.
Joanne’s images (above) clearly show the process of resorption over time.
Joanne is still using the same ScanPad machine that she was recommended during her level one training over six years ago. It’s not only still functioning—it’s producing clear, detailed images that hold up in a clinical context. This case is living proof of the durability, reliability, and professional-grade performance of the ScanPad range.
Available at PUM, the ScanPad is a favourite among veterinary professionals and scanning technicians alike for good reason. When you invest in quality, you don’t just get great results—you get long-term dependability and a reputation that builds with every scan.
Build Your Business Around Better Care
Animal welfare and business growth don’t have to be at odds. By offering extended services such as resorption monitoring and post-Alizin follow-ups, you not only do the right thing by the animals—but also create:
These aren’t “add-on” services—they’re a vital part of reproductive health care, and a quality scanning machine is fully capable of delivering them.
Foetal resorption may happen quietly inside the womb, but the impact of professional scanning—when done thoroughly and compassionately—is loud and clear. Scenarios like Joanne’s remind us why high standards, quality equipment, and complete service offerings matter.
If you’re looking to grow your scanning business, take a cue from this case study: start with solid training, invest in durable tools like the ScanPad, and offer services that go beyond the basics. Your clients—and their animals—will thank you for it.
