Are you concerned I radiographed Kylee ?

While I do appreciate the concern for Kylee's unborn puppies, I felt it beneficial to radiograph her in order to prove to myself she did not eat something she should not have - it's not like I had her radiographed for hours over and over. Afterall, my girl would vomit undigested food (and treats) within an hour of eating it, and I had not seen her poop recently. She was not keeping even small pieces down, this was alarming. I had to consider her care 1st, and the risks to the pups 2nd. While the radiographs showed the things stated previously (enlarged uterus), what I neglected to mention [on this blog] was that my girl was also literally FULL of poop, but no true obstruction concern. Thankfully, after then a rectal exam, she did come home and has begun to poop normally. Clearing that fecal matter out has also allowed me to feed her a few tablespoons at a time (for now over 12 hours) and keep that down for her!!

I went looking for resources which claim little/no side effects of radiation on the late stage development (after 30 days) and found many interesting articles. It seems as though, the main reason radiographs are not used prior to day 45 is because even though all the organs have formed, there is no calcification or skeletal marks of any kind to distinguish fetus from fluid. If you can find resources that state effects otherwise, please cite them.
I even emailed a veterinarian at Louisiana State University who teaches a portion of the canine/feline reproductive classes... Below is our correspondence:

From: shelteak@aol.com [mailto:shelteak@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 08, 2010 10:29 AM
To: Bruce E Eilts
Subject: Radiographs During Gestation - not covered on website

Mr. Eilts,

I found this website ( http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/eiltslotus/Theriogenology-5361/ultrasound.htm ) very useful, however I am trying to find information (studies, cases, etc) on radiographing a (potentially) pregnant canine prior to the 45 days; say radiographs are done day 38. Does this create a problem during end-stage development? Could it cause fetal mortality?

I would greatly appreciate any information you may have on this instance.

Thank you

Kelly Clark
Sympa Shelties

His reply:

Probably not, as organogensesis has already occurred, however minimal x-ray exposure is always recommended. Beagle bitches exposed to much higher than normal x-rays had a greater chance of neoplasia or hematopoetic alterations.

Dr. Bruce Eilts

In addition to that, I also have the following interesting website citations (from good sources):

"Use of Radiography:

Radiographs of fetal developement are useful starting with Day 31 to 38 after the LH peak. The fuetus are seen as spherical enlargements in the uterus. These can be manually palpated between Days 25 and 30 after the LH peak. After approximately 35 days, the fetus elongates beyond the width of the placenta, resulting in a diffusely enlarged uterus in most bitches, and making identification of individual fetuses by palpation of radiography difficult. Elements of fetal skeletons can be first deteched radiographically 42 to 52 days after mating, or44 to 47 days after the LH peak. By days 58 to 61, ribs and pelvis can be clearly identified. There are several signals that warn of fetal death which can be deteched radiographically. These are:failure of the uterus to continue to enlarge between 28 to 44 days gestation: gas in the body cavities, around the heart of major vessel; collapse of the fetal skeleton; lack of fetal growth, or demineralization of the skeleton."

http://cynologist.com/index.php/anatomy-of-dog/breeding-pregnancy-and-puppy-viability

"Radiography

(please also refer to Table 1 where it says uterine swelling visible on x-ray 23-35days after mating & diagnosis days 39-50) ...
Radiographic imaging (X-ray) of the abdomen is most accurate for determining pregnancy during the last trimester (43 to 63 days after ovulation). After 42 days, the fetal skulls and spines are visible on radiographs. As pregnancy advances, the bones of the front legs become visible, followed by the bones of the rear legs, the pelvis and the ribs. Finally, the fetal teeth become visible around 56 to 61 days after ovulation.

Prior to 40 days, the enlarging uterus may be visible on radiographs, but it may appear very much like the surrounding intestines. The contents of the pregnant uterus may be difficult to distinguish from an abnormal non-pregnant uterus before fetal skeletons develop. The physical and medical condition of the bitch will help to identify a diseased or a healthy pregnant uterus."

http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9923