My Bitch was mated on the 20th of August, and was scanned on day 32. However they said there was nothing there I am fully aware of phantom pregnancy, but she is showing ALL sign's that she is in pup. She had the pregnancy discharge, growing tummy/teats also teats are pinking and loosing hair. Her vulva is still puffy and she REALLY likes her sleep. I am just wondering, could they have missed the pups or that because she is a muscular dog they are hiding?? She is an English Bull Terrier and I'm aware they don't have large litters as a rule. Thank you for any info in advance

Just out of interest was she scanned by a vet or sheep scanner ??
I wouldnt honestly be totally sure that she isnt pregnant particularly if the vet scanned her. I know that sounds awful but I have not found vets down here to be much good at scans and even the sheep scanning lady who is good doesn't ever manage to see all the pups (at least 3 tend to hide ) Keep everything ready just incase.

She was done at the vets, but he only concentrated on the actual bladder??? I know that they start there but he didn't seem to sway from it He then went on to say "bring her back in ten days and we will look again", so I'm getting the impression that he would like more money from me. She is just over 5 weeks now, and her teats are looking so much larger than normal. And in typical Bully manner, she is asleep behind me
Thank you for your reply

Oh dear, sounds like my experiences of vets scanning could be the norm !! I'm sure there are vets that have been trained to scan and are fully capable but mine didn't seem to have a clue LOL
You know your girl so get prepared ;-)

I was told at one time (not by my usual vet) to expect a singleton- and that's a bad word for a yorkie, I'm not sure bout other breeds... But there was no singleton; that pup was in good company- with five siblings!!! With a big dog belly I can kind of understand missing a few pups, but the scanner was almost as big as her liitle tummy!
The vet I go to to get them scanned is predominantly a farm vet- so that must go back to the vet v. sheep scanner!?
May I ask how much you were charged for the scan? Perhaps a 2nd opinion would benefit you more than a return visit?

I was charged £31. I am shocked that you got told that you were only going to have one At least all turned out well
She has just started with more discharge aswell I would just rather know, so to be prepared!!
Thank you both for your info, think i may just take her somewhere else

Ultrasounding for pups is a skill. I don't personally breed although my mother has for over 40 years, and there is only one vet she trusts to do these ultrasounds.

If you have contact with a kennel club or other breeders, perhaps you can solicit recommendations of who is the most experienced and accurate vet for ultrasounds in your area.

It's common to have the puppy count from ultrasound be off a bit, as early on a pup can be reabsorbed and later on it can be difficult to accurately count in a large litter, though you should be able to confirm or rule out a pregnancy with an experienced technician.