Why Post-Whelp Ultrasound Scanning Matters

While prenatal scans are commonplace, the value of a post-whelp ultrasound scan is often overlooked. For the responsible breeder, pet owner, and freelance paraprofessional scanner, understanding the benefits of post-whelp scanning is vital- not only for improving outcomes, but for building trust, reputation, and business growth.

Beyond Birth: Why Scan After Whelping?

A post-whelp scan serves as a crucial safety net for the mother and her puppies. After whelping, there’s always a risk of a puppy or placental tissue remaining inside the uterus—conditions that can lead to life-threatening infections, haemorrhage, or a toxic uterus if left undetected.

An ultrasound scan at this stage allows the scanner to check for:

• Retained foetuses (dead or alive)
• Retained placental tissue
• Excess uterine fluid or abnormal contents
• Signs of infection or inflammation

As highlighted in a recent case of a Cocker Spaniel who delivered six pups, a post-whelp scan provided reassurance that no puppies remained inside, despite the owner previously being told to expect seven. With only lochia (normal post-birth uterine fluid) visible in the uterine horn, the scanner confirmed that the dam had birthed all pups and placentas—saving the owner an unnecessary emergency vet bill while safeguarding the dog’s health.

This case also underscores a critical point: no scanner should ever promise an exact number of puppies. Ultrasound scans provide an educated estimate—and managing client expectations around this is essential to avoid undue worry or false assumptions.

The Role of the Well-Trained Paraprofessional Scanner

One might ask: isn’t this the vet’s job? While veterinary oversight is irreplaceable for treatment and diagnosis, a highly trained, experienced paraprofessional scanner can play an invaluable role—especially if they’ve followed the pregnancy with regular scans.

A skilled scanner brings:

• Continuity of care: Familiarity with the dam’s uterus and foetal development makes it easier to detect abnormalities post-whelp.
• Specialist knowledge in reproductive imaging: Through targeted training, a paraprofessional or reproductive veterinarian may develop sharper scanning expertise in pregnancy than a generalist vet.
• Improved client trust: Clients appreciate the rapport and consistency of care from someone who knows their animal’s journey from conception to post-birth.
• Early triage and referral: A diligent scanner doesn’t diagnose but knows when to escalate findings to a vet for urgent care.

In rural areas or for breeders looking to reduce costs, the availability of a trusted paraprofessional scanner increases access to timely post-whelp assessments without the stress and expense of an out-of-hours vet visit—provided that professional boundaries are maintained.

Why Ongoing Training and Equipment Matter

The effectiveness of a post-whelp scan is only as good as the scanner’s training and the quality of their equipment. That’s why continuing education—through respected organisations like the Animal Ultrasound Association (AUA)—is so important.Specialist courses, such as Yvette Lovis’s Advanced Techniques in Small Animal Ultrasound, equip paraprofessionals to recognise incidental findings, identify potential red flags, and confidently refer cases to vets when necessary. Combined with high-quality imaging machines like the Apogee 1000 Lite or the ScanX, scanners can deliver clear, detailed images essential for thorough post-whelp evaluation.

A Business Opportunity: Offering Pregnancy and Post-Whelp Scan Packages

For freelance scanners, offering a package of incremental scans—including early pregnancy confirmation, mid-gestation checks, late-term scans, and a post-whelp scan—provides multiple benefits:

✅ Builds trust and rapport with clients over the pregnancy journey
✅ Increases revenue streams without needing additional marketing
✅ Positions you as a holistic, go-to scanning professional
✅ Ensures better monitoring of maternal and foetal health

Clients will value knowing their dog is being cared for from start to finish, with each scan an opportunity to catch issues early and support the best possible outcomes.

Raising the Standard in Canine Reproductive Care

Post-whelp ultrasound scanning is far more than a “nice to have”—it’s an essential safeguard for the dam, her litter, and the owner’s peace of mind. For the well-trained, diligent paraprofessional scanner, it also represents an opportunity to expand services, improve outcomes, and build a trusted, client-centred business.

With the right training, equipment, and commitment to collaboration with veterinary professionals, freelance scanners can elevate the standard of care for breeding animals—one scan at a time.