Animark PREGSCAN User manual
2
Table of Contents
What is Ultrasound and why does it work for pregnancy detection?......5
Introduction to the Pregscan......................................................................................5
Pregscan instrument features ....................................................................................7
Sensitivity control...........................................................................................................7
Reject control ..................................................................................................................7
Sensor................................................................................................................................7
Charge indicator..............................................................................................................7
Display screen .................................................................................................................8
Range switch ...................................................................................................................8
Pregscan set up................................................................................................................9
Sensor contact .................................................................................................................9
Using the Pregscan with mares..............................................................................10
Sensor placement on mares.........................................................................................10
Late pregnancy testing.................................................................................................12
Conditions other than pregnancy ...............................................................................16
Record keeping .............................................................................................................17
Using the Pregscan with cows................................................................................18
Sensor placement on the cow .....................................................................................18
Late pregnancy testing.................................................................................................20
Conditions other than pregnancy ...............................................................................21
Pregscan Trouble Shooting Guide........................................................................26
Checking your Pregscan ((Tupperware test) optional) ................................24
Care and cleaning.........................................................................................................24
Battery care instructions ...........................................................................................25
Owner responsibility for return shipping...........................................................25
Warranty and service..................................................................................................27
Warranty validation ....................................................................................................27
Service after warranty period..................................................................................27
Warranty exclusions ...................................................................................................27
Voided warranty...........................................................................................................27
Customer service /Assistance .................................................................................28
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
3
Summary..........................................................................................................................28
Other instruments by Animark...............................................................................30
Ovascan breeding predictor ........................................................................................30
Pregtest pregnancy detector ........................................................................................30
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
4
WELCOME
Animark is pleased to welcome you to our growing family of satisfied customers.
Our company was founded on the principles of quality, integrity and service. As we grow, we
continue to practice these principles.
Animark pioneered and developed ultrasound pregnancy detection for animals. Among our many
other successful instruments are:
Boveq
Pregnosticator
Pregmatic-3
Ovascan
Ovatest
We have since added several other products to our line, including the new Pregtest and Pregscan.
Each type of Animark instrument can do its individual function better than any other product in
its class. Better accuracy, better performance, better value.
With the purchase of your Pregscan ultrasound pregnancy detector, you have joined a worldwide
group of progressive breeders and veterinarians who are realizing the benefits of today's
electronic technology applied to animal sciences. Animark's continued research and development
has made us the world leader in the field. Our growing list of enthusiastic customers is testimony
to Animark's dedication to integrity and service.
To obtain the maximum benefits from your Pregscan unit, please read this manual carefully
before attempting to use the unit.
Thank you for the confidence you have shown in Animark with your recent purchase. We look
forward to serving you in the future.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
5
What is Ultrasound and why does it work for pregnancy detection?
Ultrasound as defined in Webster Dictionary is “Vibrations of the same physical nature as sound
but with frequencies above the range of human hearing.” For all practical purposes, ultrasound is
a sound wave that has penetrative properties. When an ultrasound signal is directed into an
animal it will penetrate skin, muscle, fat and fluids and some organs. Ultrasound signals will not
travel through air or gas, but will travel through liquids and solids. Ultrasound signals will reflect
back to its source any obstacle that the signal passes through. At each interface or obstacle, the
signal being reflected or “echoed” back to the source is measured and then reproduced in the
Pregscan as a column of lights indicating how far the signal has traveled before it came to the
tissue interface or other obstacle. The denser the tissue interface the stronger the signal. This is
represented by the height of the signal and is reflected on the Pregscan display.
When an animal’s egg has been fertilized one of the characteristics of early pregnancy is that the
uterus begins to thicken and change “tone” to protect the embryo. This is the primary factor in
allowing the Animark Pregscan to identify pregnancy. As long as the source of the ultrasound
signal is directly pointing at the uterus, the ultrasound will either pass through an unfertilized
uterus or be reflected back in the case of the fertilized uterus. This change in tone is usually
apparent after 14 days from fertilization in horses and 22 days for cattle.
Introduction to the Pregscan
The Pregscan is an A-Scope or linear ultrasound pregnancy detector. It is typically used on
larger animals such as horses, cows, buffalo and other larger sized animals. Properly used, your
Pregscan will provide valuable information about the reproductive status of your animals,
allowing you to increase herd efficiency, decrease costs, and improve profitability. The Pregscan
is a sophisticated electronic instrument that displays a pattern of lighted lines on the face of the
instrument that show the depth the ultrasound signal has traveled before encountering a tissue
interface or obstacle. The Pregscan is specifically calibrated to identify the density changes or
tissue interfaces associated with an early pregnancy. Study this handbook carefully to ensure
correct use and interpretation of the display.
A general knowledge of the anatomy of the animal is very helpful when using the Pregscan. In
order to correctly identify the status of an animal’s uterus, the signal must be pointing directly at
the uterus. If the signal is pointed at a full bladder for example, the display is similar to that of an
early pregnancy, so care must be taken when aiming the sensor. (See Figure 1-1).
Fig 1-1
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
6
The Pregscan is one of the many tools you may use to make good herd management decisions.
Experience and practice with the Pregscan will pay off in providing reliable reproductive status
of your herd. The Pregscan, like any tool, has its proper uses and its limitations. It is up to you to
use the capabilities of the Pregscan to your best advantage. The following suggestions will help
you achieve the success you are looking for.
1. Practice with animals whose conditions you already know until you come to trust
your results.
2. Test animals as soon after breeding as reasonable and test repeatedly.
3. Use common sense in actual field use.
4. Be patient.
5. Practice, practice, practice. The more you use it the better you will be.
(Please note: The Pregscan shows all tissue interfaces. It is 100% accurate at what it shows. The
instrument simply shows any interface it is pointed at. With use and experience you will find
many uses for the Pregscan in addition to pregnancy detection. It is important to note that most
male animals have tissue interfaces at the same location and depth as a pregnant female. Using
the Pregscan on a male animal will produce signals that are similar to those caused by pregnancy
in the female.)
Pregscan packing list (Figure 1-2):
Pregscan Instrument Transducer
Carrying Strap Battery Charger
BNC cable Carrying Case
Instruction Booklet Warranty Card
Fig 1-2 Packing contents.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
7
Pregscan instrument features
The Pregscan has several features available to assist in getting the best possible signal display.
The Ultrasound signals are displayed on a red screen on the face of the instrument. The display is
a digital bar graph (series of vertical lines) that shows from what depth the sound signal has been
reflected or echoed back to its source. The source of the ultrasound signal is the transducer or
sensor, which sends and receive the ultrasound signals.
Sensitivity control
The sensitivity control is similar to the volume control on a radio; it increases or decreases the
electronic gain of the signals received by your unit. Turning the sensitivity knob clockwise
amplifies the signal received from the sensor. Turning it counterclockwise reduces or decreases
the signal. It can be used to compensate for the size and age of each animal you are checking.
Use Sensitivity when you are getting a weak signal to strengthen it. Decrease the sensitivity if
you are getting too much signal.
Reject control
The reject control is similar to a squelch control on a CB radio and is used to eliminate the small
spikes or signals that come from signal reflection. Turning it clockwise increases the filtering
action, subtracting spikes from the display. Use the reject control when the display is cluttered
with too many spikes or signals. If the reject control is turned all the way down the display
screen will light up the entire display. When you are first starting out, turn the reject clockwise
until the lights disappear. This is normally around 3-4 on the control setting.
Sensor
The sensor (sometimes called transducer or probe) is the black or blue hand-held device that
comes in contact with the animal and through which the ultrasonic signals are transmitted and
received. It attaches to the connector marked "Probe" on the faceplate of the main unit by a cable
with "turn and click" BNC connectors at each end. It must be placed in direct contact with the
skin (no air) and pointed in the right direction to function properly.
Charge indicator
The Light Emitting Diode (LED) marked "Charge" on the upper right corner has four different
functions:
1. When GREEN, it shows that the instrument is ON and has sufficient charge to
operate properly.
2. When YELLOW, the unit is in need of a charge and may not function properly until
charged.
3. When it turns RED, this indicates that the batteries need charging. Do not use the unit
if LED is red.
4. When the charger is connected, and the LED shows red, the connections are correct
and the unit is charging.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
8
Display screen
The display consists of vertical columns of 8 small lights each. When a tissue interface or object
is encountered by the ultrasound signal the strength and depth are displayed on the screen. The
denser the object, the higher the lights will be in a vertical light column. The horizontal scale or
depth scale is located on the front panel along the bottom directly under the display screen. Each
number on the scale represents the depth or how far the signal has traveled into the body of the
animal before reaching a tissue interface or other object. This is important to note as each animal
or breed may vary slightly. There are two scales. The "HIGH" starts at 3” and goes up to the
depth of 12". Each vertical line is 9/16" of depth. The "LOW" Starts at 2” and goes up to 8" of
depth. (each vertical line corresponds to 1/2" of depth). The Low range is used primarily for
checking shallow depth structures such as layers of fat.
Range switch
The sliding switch at the lower left of the instrument turns the machine ON and selects the
desired scale. Select High for pregnancy checking and Low for back-fat checking.
Fig 2-1. Pregscan instrument face and control descriptions.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
9
Pregscan set up
When setting up your Pregscan follow these simple steps:
1. Have available vegetable oil (most people use a squeeze bottle for this) or an
ultrasound gel and paper towels.
2. Connect the shoulder strap by fastening the ends into D-rings at either side of the unit.
Hang the instrument either on your shoulder or around your neck, whichever is more
convenient for you. You might also prefer to set it on the ground or a sturdy table or
shelf. Be careful that it can't fall or be pulled off, as the machine may break.
3. Connect one end of the cable to the sensor and the other end to the unit. Simply turn
while pushing in and click both connectors to lock them securely in place.
4. Turn range switch to “High”. You should hear a high-pitched sound coming from the
rear of the unit. This indicates the unit is ready for use. If you do not hear the sound,
turn the unit off then on again.
5. Start by setting the "Sensitivity" to 8 and the "Reject" to 4.
6. Slide "Range" switch to "High" (range). Look at the "Charge" indicator light. It
should be green. If it is red, turn Pregscan "Off" by sliding "Range" switch to "Off".
Connect charger to both the Pregscan and an electric outlet and charge for at least 6
hours before turning it "On" again. During charging, the light should be red. Make
sure your machine is "Off" while charging. After charging, disconnect the charger
and follow the setup procedure outlined above.
THE PREGSCAN IS NOW READY FOR USE.
WARNING: DO NOT connect or disconnect the sensor and/or cable to the unit when it is turned
on. Doing so may result in damage to the unit.
Sensor contact
Proper contact between the sensor and the animal is essential. To assure proper contact, remove
any dirt, mud, or other material from the hair coat and the face of the sensor. Use corn oil,
vegetable oil or an ultrasound gel. Apply the oil or gel to the animal’s hide and also to the head
of the sensor. Do not use any fluids, which could contain air bubbles, like liquid soap or
water. Also, do not use any mineral oil, motor oil, Vaseline, or other petroleum products as
these substances may harm the sensor face. We recommend corn oil as it is cheap and works
very well. Remember, ultrasound will not travel through air or gas, so press firmly. When using
the Pregscan on animals with a very thick coat, use a large amount of oil or lubricant. In rare
cases clipping or shaving may be necessary.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
10
Using the Pregscan with mares
Checking for pregnancy in mares is possible as soon as 14 days after insemination. Tests
between 14 and 21 days detect the change in uterine "tone". (The uterus will change tone upon
fertilization and can normally be detected after 14 days). In some cases it may take longer. For
optimum efficiency and accuracy, check between 14 and 21 days after breeding and again from
35 to 40 days and again at 55 to 60 days. The test may be repeated at any time. Testing multiple
times is desirable. Many of these early pregnancies fail to continue. Because many pregnancies
fail, it is recommended that you test again after 35 days to ensure no early embryonic loss has
occurred from abortion or absorption. If your animal has aborted or reabsorbed, the Pregscan
may still show a pregnancy spike or tissue interface, as the uterus has not returned to its normal
non-pregnant state. Until it has returned to normal the Pregscan will show the tissue interface on
the display. This is why it is important to continue checking.
Sensor placement on mares
To use the Pregscan with mares, work from the left flank of the animal (See figure 3-1).
Checking from the left flank is required as the cecum, which contains air, is located in the right
side of the animal’s abdominal cavity, and can cause interference to the ultrasound signal
Fig 3-1. Sensor placement on mares.
To determine early pregnancy, find the hollow area on the left flank on the side of the horse
between the hipbone and the last rib. You should be able to fit your fist into this area where the
animal's coat changes direction (See Figure 3-2). Lubricate the sensor head and this area
thoroughly. Place the sensor on the location and press firmly. Point the sensor so that it is aimed
straight across the animal and then make very slight adjustments so that it is pointing directly at
the animal’s uterus. Do not slide the sensor. Use a very slight tilting motion to direct the signal.
The slower you move the better. This takes time to get proficient so be patient. The more
practice you get the better your results.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
11
Fig 3-2. Checking for sensor placement.
Once the sensor is pointed directly at the uterus, you will see on the display either a spike (See
Figure 3-3) that extends from the bottom to the top within the 7 to 12 inch range or no spike.
Where you see the spike in this range is dependant on the size of the animal. The larger the
animal the deeper you will expect to see the spike. If there is no spike, assume the mare is still
open. It is not uncommon to have multiple spikes at the very beginning of the display. These are
not pregnancy spikes but tissue interfaces you expect to see. Skin, muscle and fat are all tissue
interfaces that will be displayed on the Pregscan. You can ignore these initial spikes.
Fig 3-3. Pregnancy spike.
It is also important to note that it is possible to pick up the full bladder of a mare if the sensor is
pointed too far back. It will look similar to a pregnancy but is usually around 6 inches and wider
than one column. If you are not sure, try checking again later or better yet, just after you know
your mare has urinated. The display will be different from a pregnancy (See Fig 3-5) and you
should be able to easily tell with practice. The bladder is in close proximity to the uterus (See
Figure 1-1) so care must be taken to avoid a false reading.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
12
Fig 3-4. Possible bladder display.
After each use, disassemble, clean and store the Pregscan in its case to prevent damage. For best
results, do not recharge your Pregscan until it has been used for some time in the On position or
until the charge light turns yellow or red. Each charge can last from 8-10 continuous hours, or
longer in the machine is turned off between testing animals.
Late pregnancy testing
After the pregnancy has progressed for approximately 90 to 120 days, the pregnant uterus will
drop over the brim of the pelvic bone and begin to occupy more space within the abdominal
cavity. By four to six months, it will be resting on the floor of the abdomen. At this time, it may
be easier to locate the pregnancy by testing from the area located just in front of the udder. Just
as before, lubricate the area thoroughly and place the sensor up and a little forward. The mare’s
age and foaling history may affect how soon and how far down the uterus drops. If for example,
your mare is experiencing her first pregnancy, her uterus will drop later than a mare with
significantly more foaling experience. Conversely, if your mare has had many foals, her uterus
will drop sooner and farther. The display reading on later pregnancy will look different from an
early pregnancy spike. The Pregscan will pick up more of the foal’s bone and organ structure as
well as the uterine wall. A typical late pregnancy will show a strong spike from the bottom to the
top followed by several more but smaller spikes. (See Figure 3-5). Depending on how far along
the pregnancy is, the reading will show up earlier on the display indicating the uterus and fetus
are closer to the sensor.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
16
Conditions other than pregnancy
Remember that ultrasound signals are the result of the sound being reflected from tissue
interfaces, the boundaries between tissues and/or fluids of different densities. Because of this
fact, anything that causes an increase in density of the uterine wall or in fluid content of the
uterus can produce signal reflections of the ultrasound sensor.
Estrus
Changes in the uterus and ovaries associated with estrus (heat) can show up on the Pregscan.
These changes usually appear as a single jumping line that is hard to maintain. For this reason, it
is better not to check the animal between 20-24 days after breeding. Instead, check at 14-19 days
or after 25 days post breeding.
Infection
If your mare’s uterus is infected, there will be increased congestion in the uterine wall. Infection
is usually accompanied by pus present in the vaginal cavity. The Pregscan will reflect the
infection but is not typically confused with a pregnancy spike. The display will show a flickering
or "grassy" signal.
Post partum
After foaling, it takes some time for the uterus to return to its normal, non-pregnant size and
condition. In some cases this may look like a pregnancy. More typically, the display will appear
more like a pattern of spikes similar to that of an infected uterus.
Early embryonic death
In connection with very early testing for pregnancy, it is important to be aware of the fact that in
a fairly high proportion of mares, the embryo may suffer early embryonic death. If this condition
occurs, the uterus may well develop enough density or “tone” change to produce a pregnancy
spike. If echoes are seen early, followed by a return to estrus, it could indicate that an early
embryonic death has occurred. Check the mare again in two weeks.
Scar tissue
Scars in the uterus are not very common but, if present, they can produce spikes. If you know
that your mare has scar tissue, then you will be looking for a change to her regular readings.
These animals are more difficult to read but with practice and the historical knowledge of her
normal readings you should be able to recognize a pregnancy. Scar tissue spikes are usually
wider than pregnancy spikes and generally do not go to the top of the screen. If there is concern
that scar tissue may be present in the uterus, use the Pregscan before the mare is bred, either
during the winter period when she is not cycling or between two heat periods. It may also be
necessary to use other methods of establishing whether or not this particular animal is pregnant.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
17
Breed differences
The length of the vagina and uterus may vary from breed to breed. As a handler of your
particular breed, you should make sure you know where the uterus is typically found for your
breed. Anatomy books or the help of your local vet can assist you in identifying the typical
location for your breed. This is important to note, as it is possible to reflect ultrasound signals
from the cervix if pointing the sensor incorrectly.
Record keeping
Adequate records are very valuable for efficient use of the Pregscan. Before testing a mare,
check to see about how far along her pregnancy should be if she is pregnant. Upon taking the
readings, the user can record what is seen, their initials, the date, and the settings on the unit for
that particular reading. Any historical record will be helpful in assisting you in making accurate
observations in regard to the reproductive status of your animals.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
18
Using the Pregscan with cows
Much of the information in the preceding pages can be applied to cows as well as mares. We
recommend that you review that section in addition to the specific instructions below.
Checking for pregnancy on cows can be done as early as 22 days after insemination. As with the
mares, the Pregscan is used to identify the change in uterine “tone” after fertilization. Animark
recommends that you check between 22 and 30 days and again between 45 and 60 days. A
second test is desirable to catch early abortion or absorption. If your animal has aborted or
absorbed, the Pregscan may still show a pregnancy spike or tissue interface, as the uterus has not
returned to its normal non-pregnant state. Until it has returned to normal, the pregscan will show
the tissue interface on the display. This is why it is important to continue checking. If your
animals are pasture bred you may need to make your best guess as to when they may have been
bred and whether to check for early pregnancy or later pregnancy.
Sensor placement on the cow
Checking for early pregnancy on the cow should be done on the right flank of the animal due to
the rumen located on the left side of the animal. The rumen contains many gas bubbles, which
can cause interference, and occupies most of the left side of the cow. Placement for the sensor is
located in the paralumbar fossa, which is the soft triangular area just forward of the hook bone
and just behind the ribs, about 8 inches downward from the backbone of the animal. (See Figure
4-1).
Fig 4-1. Cow reproductive organs.
Locate the lowest spot in the fossa that the sensor will comfortably fit into by pressing inward
with your fist. Lubricate the target area on the cow as well as the head of the sensor thoroughly
with vegetable oil or an ultrasound gel. Place the sensor firmly against the skin and point the
sensor halfway between the hook and the pin bones on the animal and slightly downward. There
is no need to change the location of the sensor in order to scan the whole region that could be
occupied by a pregnant uterus. Scan by simply tilting the sensor slightly and slowly against the
skin. The slower you move the better. It takes time to get proficient so please be patient. The
more practice you get the better your results.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
19
Once the sensor is pointed directly at the uterus, you will see either a spike that extends from the
bottom to the top on the display within the 8-10 inches range or no spike. Where you see the
spike in this range is dependent on how large the animal is. The larger the animal, the deeper you
will expect to see the spike. If there is no spike, assume the animal is still open. It is not
uncommon to have multiple spikes at the very start of the display. These are not pregnancy
spikes but tissue interfaces you expect to see. Skin, muscle and fat are all tissue interfaces that
the will be displayed on the Pregscan. You can ignore these initial spikes. If possible, start out by
testing one or two animals known to be pregnant and adjust the control knobs so that the spikes
are easy to recognize. In all but rare cases, pregnancy spikes will occur between 8 -10 inches in
depth. (See fig 4-2).
Fig 4-2. Pregnancy spike.
Next, take one or two known non-pregnant cows or heifers (mature heifers that have never been
bred and are not in heat are ideal). Check your control settings by testing from the same spot,
scanning the same area as in the pregnant cows and look for no spikes. (See Figure 4-3). Go back
and forth from the pregnant to the open animals several times to refine your skill in aiming the
probe and setting the controls.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
20
Fig 4-3. Open (not pregnant) display.
Late pregnancy testing
If you have pasture-bred cows or are unsure of when your cow was inseminated, you may want
to check from the belly of the cow for late pregnancy. As in early pregnancy, thoroughly
lubricate the location of the sensor placement as well as the sensor. Place the sensor between the
right hind leg and the udder and aim up and slightly back. Again do not slide the sensor. Tilt the
sensor very slightly until you are sure you are pointing at the uterus. A typical late pregnancy
will look different from an early pregnancy spike. The Pregscan will pick up more of the fetus’
bone and organ structure as well as the uterine wall. A typical late pregnancy will show a strong
spike from the bottom to the top followed by several more but smaller spikes. (See figure 4-4). If
the pregnancy is further along the reading will show up earlier on the display indicating the
uterus and fetus are closer to the sensor.
Pregscan Ultrasound for Large Animals, Z30374 • eNasco.com/farmandranch
Table of contents
