Source checked November 12, 2026. Editorial team. Not professionally reviewed.
What relaxin can establish
VCA describes relaxin as a hormone produced by the developing placenta after implantation. Its article explains that a positive result indicates pregnancy at the time of the test. It also states that the result does not confirm that developing puppies are alive and cannot predict whether live puppies will be born. Both parts belong in a faithful summary. The evidence cards preserve that distinction rather than translating positive into everything is fine.
What one negative result cannot settle here
VCA describes false-negative results, including testing too early and circumstances involving small litters. It discusses follow-up in a clinical context. We do not reproduce those intervals as a do-it-yourself schedule or ask readers to select a result for interpretation. A negative, unclear or missing result should be discussed with the veterinarian who knows the timing, method and circumstances. The tool supplies no substitute decision.
Tests are not interchangeable labels
The source separately discusses palpation, radiographs and ultrasound. It describes differences in what each can show and in their limitations. This page is not a guide to performing an examination or choosing imaging. Do not press a dog’s abdomen for this site or attempt a home confirmation. Keep the exact test name and the clinician’s explanation together in your private records.