[Terranova]

I have a question about the cost/benefits of x-rays on pregnant females. I'm a developmental psychobiologist with my scientific expertise on the early effects of various treatments (imaging, drug exposure, sensory stimuli, etc) on the development of small mammals (mice, rats, other rodents, cats and dogs). I've not found any scientific literature that demonstrates that x-rays are benign. Imaging, especially x-rays, have extraordinary effects on the early behavioral and physiological development of a fetus. The effects are especially pronounced in those species with short gestational periods. So I was somewhat shocked that most breeders have the dams x-rayed. Is the only point of an x-ray to determine how many pups to expect?

The reason I ask this group is that I've got a pregnant morkie and I am extremely reluctant to have her x-rayed just to determine the number of pups I'll expect to help deliver.

I'm not a novice to delivering small animals, I've been responsible for delivering thousands of small mammals as part of some of my research, some of the animals specially breed (for genetic studies) and are priceless (meaning upwards of $10 to 20 K for each animal). I'm just wondering if this is just something that is a convenience, or suggested by a vet (to help pay their rent), or is really necessary. Do the images give you details regarding CNS development, cardiovascular abnormalities, or what?

I'm also somewhat reluctant to use my ultrasound on my female. Although it would be less damaging than an x-ray, I'm not sure of what the purpose would be beyond getting a head count.

Any and all replies are welcome.

Thanks.