Dog Community

Whelping

Posted : 8/11/2008 1:10:15 PM

Hello,

I have a Chihuahua bitch that I know exactly what her possible due date is as I did artificial. However for about the last 4 days her temperature has been fluctuating a lot. Friday we were in the 99.0-99.5 range and then Saturday we were back up at 100.5 ish. And then last night her temperature dropped again this time to 98.8-99.1 range. She is and has been for the most part in her whelping box for the last 4 days. She has been digging and nesting some but many of the other signs are not manifesting themselves. She is currently at 99.5.

She has yet to stop eating, or even have any contractions. She is not actually due till Friday however I am starting to get worried with these temperature drops. I am more than willing to take her in to get a c-section however I don't want to do it premature or wait too long. She doesn't seem extremely dilated but maybe a little larger than normal. She has had milk for over a week.

Background info: She is a 4.5 lb Chihuahua and the father is right around the same weight, so I doubt the puppies’ size will be an issue in delivering. I have whelped 4 litters before, all were 100% natural, and so I understand the basics of whelping.Maybe I am just being paranoid as this is my first litter of puppies that are this small, but could anyone help me to know if I should take her in to get the c-section. Or even suggest another sign that I am not looking for that will help me more.ThanksLiz

janetmichel3009

Posted : 8/11/2008 1:14:28 PM

i dont know ANYTHING about welping, but i think you should at least call your vet on this one!

HoundMusic

Posted : 8/12/2008 3:01:27 PM

I find that most of my bitches temps will fluctuate the last few days before whelping. Chart her temps, and note when it was at it's lowest. When it again reaches that point, expect pups within 24-48hrs. However, temp is usually not an indicator of the actual whelping. If you notice panting, shivering, etc going on and she doesn't show signs of going into hard labor, I would consult with a Vet at that point. But I have had two or three bitches who did the 24 hr shivers then went on to deliver naturally - yet they were all difficult labors ...

KawaiiKoneko2

Posted : 8/12/2008 3:07:46 PM

well thank you all for your help. I took her into the ER vet at 3 because in what i had seen she was having contractions since 11:30 and they said there was nothing wrong, no contractions or anything. Then at 2 am we finally had a puppy however it was still born, i beleive that was the puppy i saw at 11:30 the previous day.

So in conclusion i have 2 babies, but lost one.

Chuffy

Posted : 8/12/2008 5:13:39 PM

I'm sorry about the pup you lost. Good luck with the second.... is it a he or a she, is s/he healthy?

And you know pictures are compulsory right? Wink