Are we getting close?

[AUEquine]

I'm thinking Little Bit might be getting close. Her temp is down to 99.2 from 99.4 yesterday afternoon. And she's acting weird. She is normaly right under foot, and never more than 5 feet away from me. But today I can barely get her to come near me. I let her outside to potty and she wouldn't come out from under the porch when I tried to bring her back in. And while I was putting the finishing touches on her whelping box, I found her in her other kennel and she wouldn't come out.
Currently I've got her locked away in her whelping room, she's firmly planted in her box on her bed. I guess I'm gonna have to kiss that bed goodbye. She wasn't happy with the sheets I put in there (I think they still smelled like Cornbred), so I'm washing them again. But if they don't get done in time or she still doesn't like them, I'll just let her whelp on her good bed. Heck it was from the dollar general, so I don't mind. I've got my small basket with the heating pad in it waiting. I have dental floss for the umbilicus and cheap kids scissors, in case she needs my help. I have lots of old wash cloths for cleaning up the pups, if she doesn't. And I have lots of replacement bedding. Only thing I haven't gotten is the pee pads, so we'll just have to go old school with blankets for now.

Ok off to check on her again. Let me know what you think... is it time? She was exposed to the stud from Dec. 8-10.

[Tiz]

Oh yeah, crawling under the porch is a complete giveaway. Little Bit wouldn't be much of a poker player!

59 days from her first exposure puts her on target, doesn't it? 60-62 days for doggies?

[AUEquine]

Pics of her in her whelping room and her whelping box. I haven't put the pig rails in it yet. I don't want to leave her right now, and I'll have to go outside to cut them. Hopefully I can talk hubby into it when he gets home! And I would like to mention that I built this box all by myself!!! All hubby has done is cut the door, since I didn't know where the sawzaw was. I think I did pretty good for an amature!

[Vacker Hast]

Yes, it sounds like she is starting to feel some pains and she is on target with 56-62 days being normal. You did a great job on her whelping box and the entire room! A few precautions ... Little bit will probably find and try to remove the dental floss since I'm not sure what your plan is just be aware of that and the kid's scissors my not work to cut through the cords so have a good pair near you just in case. The mommas tend to get carried away with cleaning the cords so just watch her and use your best judgement on how she acts.

You're prepared as much as you can be now it's just keeping the pup's safe when she has them. ACD's have alot of natural instincts still intact so don't be surprised if she digs real hard and fast on her bed or flooring with harder pains and she will be curious about your taking her new pup each time so again use your best judgement. Everything should go just fine with Little Bit they are very hearty dogs.

Good luck and can't wait to see your pup's and how many ... I'm excited for you!!!

[AUEquine]

Just rechecked her temp, it's back up to 99.7, so maybe we're a false alarm. That's a good thing if it is. I have to work tonight, but once I'm off at 6am I'm off until Monday night. So that will give her plenty of time to birth while I'm home. But dogs are never optimal!

[Vacker Hast]

Oh yeah, need to mention it could still be hours even a day before she actually starts giving birth ... you will be able to tell when she is having harder pains and they become closer together. Reassuring her at the beginning stages that you are there to help her will allow her to accept your help when she actually has the pup's. At this point she is scared of what is causing her pain until she has that first pup and realizes it's not you causing the pain. She might also hold back from pushing in the beginning because she will think she will get in trouble for going potty in the house ... that is all she knows and thinks is happening to her so reassure her again. ACD's can be more protective and want the pup back if you take it to help clean it or keep it safe.

These are all things I experienced with my ACD so it's just information to consider or keep in the back of your mind. Again, can't wait to see the little white pup's!!!

ETA: When you see her pushing be sure to tell her "Good Girl" so she won't try to stop the pushing.

[AUEquine]

Thanks so much for all the advice VH. I really think she is scared. She's acting so weird. She just started barking back at my other dog outside, and that's not like her. I think she's scared and looking for anyone to comfort her. We were eating dinner so she was alone.
I really hope she holds off until I get home from work. And I think she'll have problems with the potty in the house thing, but she has pottied in the house once when I got her back in December.
Bless her poor little heart I know she's so uncomfortable and scared!

[Gypsy Rose]

Keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn't whelp before you get back! Looking forward to puppy pics, too!

[BlaiseGlaze]

:)
:)

[lovesfortune]

Good luck! I know nothing about this, but enjoy learning along with you!

[natisha]

Could you put newspaper or flat paper bags down while she is having them? Not sure if the ink would cause problems though. Easy to remove the soiled ones. Good luck.

[carla]

Wow, fun! Can't wait to hear more.. and see pics! This is interesting. :)

[AUEquine]

Still no puppies. Temp holding in at 99.2-99.3. She's acting more normal. I think I read somewhere that dogs can have braxton hix (sp?) contractions just like humans. Bet that was it! I just hope it's this weekend so I'll be around!

[livaward]

I have always heard when the temp drops bellow 99* whelping is in the next 24 hrs.....

[AUEquine]

I have always heard when the temp drops bellow 99* whelping is in the next 24 hrs.....

yep that's what I've read.

Well few more changes. We now have some mucousy discharge from the vulva, small amounts of whitish clean goo! Her body had also changed some, she has a more defined waist now, I guess this is the pups moving into delivery position (am I right?). Her cranial nipples are also more enlarge now. Her caudle nipples have been enlarged and bagging, but now the cranial ones are too. So hopefully we're close. I'm hoping for tonight, since I do have dinner plans tomorrow. But it's all up to her. I just hate that it's so wet here. I really hate taking her out to pee and her getting wet and nasty.

Have you other breeders clipped their bellies? I've read a few places to clip their bellies to make nursing easier for the pups. Some of them are already bald, but others are covered a bit with hair. I was wondering if this would irritate her too much to clip the area, or if it's a good idea.


Also, thank you guys so much! Your help and advice is really calming my nerves!

[mandisue]

I'd be happy to have puppys in there! LOL. Great looking whelping pen, i think you did everything right.

[shewasmyshadow]

Has she been ultrasound checked and do you KNOW there are puppies in there? Just wondering because our GSP was bred awhile back and she went through a whole false pregnancy. She got bigger, her milk came in and she was hiding in the closet. We were all excited making a whelping box, feeding her puppy food and cooking up liver for her to eat. :D Turned out she was never pregnant. :rolleyes: We felt so silly. :p

[AUEquine]

Oh yeah we ultrasounded her, she's definatly pregnant!

[shewasmyshadow]

Oh yeah we ultrasounded her, she's definatly pregnant!

Oh, good. :)

[AUEquine]

Yes and I can even fell something moving around in there! Oh man I'm getting so excited. I'm completely over analyzing this dog! Everything she does... she's getting close, no she not, she close, nope. Hahaha. It's interesting in here!

[CaddoCinnamon]

You will do that. I can't wait to see pics of the pups. I will keep my fingers crossed for tonight.

[Vacker Hast]

I can't wait to see how many she has : ) and yes it sounds like the pup's are moving into birthing position. There are two tubes one on each side of her belly where the pup's are and when those muscels tighten up to move the pup's for birth you can see a more defined waistline but not always but since you are seeing that her body is making these changes it's not Braxton Hicks contractions and she is right on target for delivery. It can take awile but she is showing the signs of getting ready to deliver.

I wouldn't worry about clipping her tummy ... believe me those pups will find the teats. I worried about that too with my girl but I didn't want to stress her our if every was going to be okay and it was. Can't wait to hear she is giving birth!!!

[AUEquine]

Still no pups! Haven't temped her yet this morning though. Bout to take Tim's dog to the vet for his shots, tempted to take her with me, but I think his dog would eat her. And I don't want to stress her. So we'll just keep on waiting. Even if she got pregnant the very first day (which is unlikely) we're still only at day 60. I just hope it's this weekend. My poor husband is scared to death that she'll wait until next week while I'm at work.

[Tiz]

AU, what's up?

[AUEquine]

Still no pups! She's very clingy and seems worried though. Temp still holding in around 99.2-99.5. I'm getting so anxious!

[Vacker Hast]

Right now she is having mild to moderate pains and knows something is going on with her and she is getting closer but just like humans some go fast and some take days in labor. You will know she is getting real close when the pains are hard enough to make her start whining, digging and after the pain she will start panting hard for a little bit. These were the signs my ACD gave when it was close. I hope this helps and good luck. Again, can't wait I think all of us on this thread are waiting anxiously with you!!!

Stacy

[vicklynn]

Momma, you have to relax so the other momma can give birth...LOL
Cant wait to hear when she has them.

[miatapony]

ok i want pics of the ones no one has dibs on ..... i might have to kill the hubby to get one .. hey .. good looking mommy and daddy too

[Tiz]

Come on, Mama......let's go!

[AUEquine]

Right now she is having mild to moderate pains and knows something is going on with her and she is getting closer but just like humans some go fast and some take days in labor. You will know she is getting real close when the pains are hard enough to make her start whining, digging and after the pain she will start panting hard for a little bit. These were the signs my ACD gave when it was close. I hope this helps and good luck. Again, can't wait I think all of us on this thread are waiting anxiously with you!!!

Stacy
You're advice is really helping. Especially since you have experience with heelers. I'm sure she'll tell us when it's time. Right now I'm calming myself with temps. As long as she's in the same range (over 99) that she's been in for 3 days I'm not worried.

Momma, you have to relax so the other momma can give birth...LOL
Cant wait to hear when she has them.
No joke! Tonight we had some friends home and had the dogs loose like normal. So I'm hoping the excitement of company and the normalcy of being with Abby and us is gonna help her relax like it did for me.

ok i want pics of the ones no one has dibs on ..... i might have to kill the hubby to get one .. hey .. good looking mommy and daddy too
You can definatly get one! Only one is 100% spoken for. And to friends I'll sell them for just cost of vaccines and a little to help cover her spay surgery when it's all over. And yes there will be lots of pics. The runt is the one that's spoken for.

Come on, Mama......let's go!
Anyone know how to say this in dog? I'm so excited! I'm starting to think a shot of oxytocin would get things going... but I would never ever do that! But that's just the anxious side of me! I've never been good at waiting!


Come on Bitsy Boodle!!! You can do it!!!

[Vacker Hast]

LOL, I have been on the forum more the past two days than I have total in the past six months all because of Little Bit!!! Can't wait for the pup's to arrive and see what kind of solid dark markings they might have such as a full mask or half mask...the dark solid spots/markings will be there when they are born and other than that they will be all white they are so cute!!!

[Tiz]

Quote:
Come on, Mama......let's go!
Anyone know how to say this in dog? I'm so excited! I'm starting to think a shot of oxytocin would get things going... but I would never ever do that! But that's just the anxious side of me! I've never been good at waiting!



Bark bark, barkbark.......woof woof!

[valleyrider]

OOOH just saw this thread.. Puppies! Can't wait to see them. :popcorn:How is she doing this morning

[mandisue]

I'm lurking and waiting!

[Equine_Woman]

Count me in with the lurkers!!! Good luck Mama!!!! Keep us posted of course!

[AUEquine]

We have 98.8!!!!! Unfortunatly I have to head about 45 minutes away for a Central Alabama Equestrian Federation meeting. So hopefully she's closer to 12 hours away than like 2. I have my husband on guard and my friend on alert! And she's not nesting really yet, just kinda laying in her box resting. Little more winking, but right now sitting at the gate wanting to come out. So hopefully she'll hold out about another 6 hours!

What do ya'll think? Should I skip my meeting?

[AUEquine]

LOL, I have been on the forum more the past two days than I have total in the past six months all because of Little Bit!!! Can't wait for the pup's to arrive and see what kind of solid dark markings they might have such as a full mask or half mask...the dark solid spots/markings will be there when they are born and other than that they will be all white they are so cute!!!

I really can't wait to see what they look like. Both mom and dad have the white spot on the face, but he has no mask, and she has half. I can't wait to see if we get a red. She has red highlights and tips, and he has red legs! So it's possible! Gotta go check the camera battery! Laptop is plugged in and getting ready!

[Vacker Hast]

What do you mean by winking? Can you see her going through a labor pain and if so do you know how far apart? Do you see her panting? If she's not yet you will probably be fine going to your meeting and especially since your hubby and a friend are standing by. If she is showing harder labor pains she could go sooner.

[AUEquine]

Winking like a mare does. Contracting her vulva, just like they do after urinating. No signs of labor yet. Right now she's still sitting at the gate on the floor watching us, she not even in her box. She hasn't started rooting around in the bedding yet either. No whining, wimpering, barking, or panting yet. So I think I'm safe to go! But I'm gonna kick myself if I miss it!

[Vacker Hast]

Okay I never heard that term before. From what you have described, I think you are safe to go to your meeting. Would you be able to leave your meeting if needed? If she does start the harder pains or even gives birth to one or two you will be able to get home to see the others be born since that process will take hours and they usually have at least six pup's.

[Diane of Buck's Hollow]

ooohhhh. Hope we get some news about the pups...with pictures really soon!! L:)

[AUEquine]

Home from the meeting and still no pups. Temp still at 98.8. DH said when he let her out to pee, she was butt scooting across the porch and looking back at her hind end. And apparently the scooting left a little wet trail. Have a feeling it will be tonight!

ETA: Typical dog. Gonna wait until the middle of the super bowl to have them! Guess we need to come up with some temporary football names for the puppies.

[Gypsy Rose]

No pups yet? This is going to drive us all nuts!

[AUEquine]

No pups yet? This is going to drive us all nuts!

Ya'll? I think I'm going back there and looking at her like every 5 minutes! I wish I had a web cam I could set up on her, but unfortunatly my only cam is built into the laptop.

[Gypsy Rose]

Highly doubt that would be a suitable place for the laptop, lol!:p

[AUEquine]

Highly doubt that would be a suitable place for the laptop, lol!:p
Well I could put in on the shelf, but then I'd have to be sitting in the office on the PC to watch... kinda defetes the purpose!

[AUEquine]

Ok, still no pups!!! She is definalty acting weird though. She is insanely clingy! I have to sit in the box with her and HAVE to pet her or she goes crazy. Guess this means were still in stage one... so we keep on waiting!!!

[vicklynn]

Oh, ok then, if we have to wait, we have to wait...darn dogs anyways...LOL

[AUEquine]

Oh, ok then, if we have to wait, we have to wait...darn dogs anyways...LOL

hahaha! I'm am getting so impatient! Luckly I usually work 3rd shift so getting up all night to check her or staying up all night with her isn't a problem. And I don't have to be at work until 4pm tomorrow (and it's only a 4 hour shift) so a lack of sleep is ok! But I'm just ready to meet the cute little guys and girls!!!! I have so many exciting questions in my head... how many? boys? girls? blues? reds? markings? sizes? ooooo I'm so excited I think I'm gonna pop!!! :crazy:

[Gypsy Rose]

I'm going to have to go to bed soon, but I'll check in the morning. Hopefully, there will be puppy pics up!

[Vacker Hast]

Ok, still no pups!!! She is definalty acting weird though. She is insanely clingy! I have to sit in the box with her and HAVE to pet her or she goes crazy. Guess this means were still in stage one... so we keep on waiting!!!

This is now where she is feeling it more and scared and wants you with her. This was what I was talking about. She can start hard labor anytime now and it can (but not always) come on quickly. Once the hard labor starts it still may be awhile before she gives birth to the first pup. She will hold back but you need to tell her good girl when her body is pushing you will be able tell. Since it feels to her like she is going potty, I told my Courtney to "Go Potty" to let her know she had permission. I know it sounds silly but it worked and it was funny when I told her that the first time because she looked at me like I was crazy (I'm serious)...like she was saying are you sure I can go potty in the house right in front of you and not get in trouble? She stopped holding back and started going with the contractions and made it much easier on her ... I continued to tell her that and she would push harder and longer. I have helped two other mommas give birth beside my Courtney and they all acted the same.

[vicklynn]

Awww, its almost time.
I bet we wake up to pups!!

[carla]

:D Good I didn't miss anything.. come on, pups!

[AUEquine]

UGH!!!! Still no puppies! I stayed up all night sure she was gonna go, but nope! Still all the stage 1 signs.

[Vacker Hast]

She is really holding out!!! You caught the very earliest signs that most people don't even notice so it seems like it's taking a long time. They WILL come lol!!! I'm sure you are getting worn out and so is Little Bit. I hope she starts hard labor soon!!!

[Gypsy Rose]

I was so hoping there would be puppy pics by the time I made it here- rats!

[carla]

Oooh, or video! We like that too, ya know. ;)

[shewasmyshadow]

ahhh, why don't we have pictures of the little girl is labor? I mean, there are pictures of ME in labor on my fb page. :p

[MyMia]

I just read this whole thing--how exciting! I"m glad I didn't read it sooner, though, because I'd be going crazy waiting for the pups, too. I can't imagine what you've been going through!

Here's hoping some pups are starting to pop out!!!!!

[AUEquine]

No labor pics because, NO LABOR!!! Ugh!!!! This is never going to happen!

[miatapony]

ok i think we need to sit there and chant puppies puppies..... come out NOW ....lol

[vicklynn]

What, NO puppies....Im all for the chant...LOL

[shewasmyshadow]

PUPpies! PUPpies! :clap:

[Vacker Hast]

Show me the PUPies, show me the PUPies!!! That one worked for me and it worked for Courtney but were not afaid to be silly and it really did work!!!

[AUEquine]

My husband keeps threatening her that he's gonna "squeeeeeeeze the puppies out"!!! He's joking... I'm starting to consider it!

[Vacker Hast]

Counting December 10th as day one then today is day 61 so she is in that window (the window will be different depending on who you talk to and the largest is from 58-68 days) a ten day spread is not what you want to hear I know :eek: the standard around here is 56-62 or 64 so she is in that gestation period lol she can't hold out much longer!!! I'm thinking tomorrow she will go into hard labor and continue through the night. What's everybody's guess?

[shewasmyshadow]

My husband keeps threatening her that he's gonna "squeeeeeeeze the puppies out"!!! He's joking... I'm starting to consider it!

I remember a lady I knew with a very late delivery date kept updating her voicemail each day. That way people could call and find out what was going on without her having to talk to EVERYONE. One day it said, "Nothing yet and if I have to wait much longer, then I'm going to try using the plunger!" :p

[shewasmyshadow]

What's everybodies guess?

Between Tuesday at 11pm and Wednesday at 11am.

[Gypsy Rose]

PUPpies! PUPpies! Come out now!:)

[AUEquine]

PUPpies! PUPpies! Come out now!:)

No not right now, I'm stuck at work! Colic on the way in, other techs/bff's dogs got attacked, etc. Of course that means she will go right now, since I and the back up bff are unavailable!

[vicklynn]

Oh no, I hope the horse and dog are gonna be ok.

WAIT PUPPIES, STAY

[Vacker Hast]

LOL, Vick. Already teaching the pup's commands from the womb!!! Lay down and stay are both great commands for pup's to learn and obey ... lol but from the womb is a bit too early I think ... well you can never start early enough I guess lol too funny!!! ;)

[Gypsy Rose]

Oh no, I hope the horse and dog are gonna be ok.

WAIT PUPPIES, STAY

LOL, Vick. Already teaching the pup's commands from the womb!!! Lay down and stay are both great commands for pup's to learn and obey ... lol but from the womb is a bit too early I think ... well you can never start early enough I guess lol too funny!!! ;)


:hysterical:I guess the pups better stay where they're at right now!

[AUEquine]

Tuesday Update:
Temp down to 98.0*. Signs of nesting in the box. Very upset and whinny, shaking some. So we'll see!


other update: not sure how the colic horse did, it still wasn't there when I left work. My friends dogs: the blue heeler (daddy to these puppies) went to surgery to repair lacerations and put a pin in his exposed hip. As of last night he was stable. The Pit was very swollen so much so that it actually quit breathing on the exam table. Some steroids, antibiotics, and pain meds and he went home. The he started peeing blood so she brought him to work and we had the students examine him. Gave him some fluids, ultrasounded, and think it's just stressed kidneys.

Back to the whelping room I go! I'll take the laptop with me for updates! PLEASE LET THIS BE IT!!! And yes, I have been chanting to her!!!

[Vacker Hast]

Yay, this is it...she is going into her hard labor but will probably have the first pup in a few hours still. She took a much needed break and got some rest yesterday for her BIG FINALE today. I'm excited and can't wait!!!

I'm Glad Buddy is going to be fine and I hope the Pit makes it too. I'm sure you already know but for those that aren't aware ... dogs can go into shock after a fight and pass away so I hope the Pit will get through this. My Prayers are up for Buddy, Little Bit and her Pup's, the Pit and, also, the colic that didn't come in before you left work.

Stacy

[shewasmyshadow]

Okay new chant, "Pictures! Pictures!...."

[Gypsy Rose]

Going to have to keep a closer eye on this thread today, I guess!

[AUEquine]

Okay new chant, "Pictures! Pictures!...."

hahaha. Yes I'm gathering up my essentials for the whelping room now. Phone, check. Laptop, check. camera, check. gotta go find the stick reader for uploading, and a pillow for me to sit on.

[shewasmyshadow]

hahaha. Yes I'm gathering up my essentials for the whelping room now. Phone, check. Laptop, check. camera, check. gotta go find the stick reader for uploading, and a pillow for me to sit on.

You probably need a can of coke or a cup of coffee too. We need you to stay awake so you can take good pictures. LOL. Oh, and Lil Bit needs you to stay awake too. :p

[AUEquine]

You probably need a can of coke or a cup of coffee too. We need you to stay awake so you can take good pictures. LOL. Oh, and Lil Bit needs you to stay awake too. :p

Well I just got up. So I think I'll be good on rest (went to bed at 10 last night).


and before ya'll think I'm lazy, remember I have to pull a 14 hour night shift tonight. So please just let her have these puppies before I have to go to work at 5!

[Vacker Hast]

You probably need a can of coke or a cup of coffee too. We need you to stay awake so you can take good pictures. LOL. Oh, and Lil Bit needs you to stay awake too. :p

I laughed when I saw your post because my ACD, Courtney, had nine pup's and did very well with her energy but the other two mommas I helped deliver both only had five pup's and both mommas past out after the first three and deliverd their last two while they were sleeping haaaaa I'm serious!!! My adrenaline always kept me awake for as many hours needed and until all pup's were born then I would pass out lol!!!

[shewasmyshadow]

I laughed when I saw your post because my ACD, Courtney, had nine pup's and did very well with her energy but the other two mommas I helped deliver both only had five pup's and both mommas past out after the first three and deliverd their last two while they were sleeping haaaaa I'm serious!!! My adrenaline always kept me awake for as many hours needed and until all pup's were born then I would pass out lol!!!

LOL. Well I was assuming EW had just pulled an all night shift. Got a bit mixed up. :rolleyes: Not that that's anything new. :D

I wish I could watch another litter be born. Our american eskimo got "raped" when I was little and so we had a litter from her. That was so fun. My favorite puppy Star was such a cutie pie. The litter was Eski/Cocker and those pups were adorable.

My dream dog, though, is a Border Collie. My older brother gave me one of his borders when I was a teen and that dog was amazing. My dad made me give him up, though. He went to a good home, but I was so sad. Someday I'd love to show, raise and breed Borders.

[natisha]

My dream dog, though, is a Border Collie. My older brother gave me one of his borders when I was a teen and that dog was amazing. My dad made me give him up, though. He went to a good home, but I was so sad. Someday I'd love to show, raise and breed Borders. Why do Dad's do this to kids?
How long does it take a dog to deliver all the pups once they start?

[AUEquine]

Currently Little Bit is in her box lying on her side breathing very rapidly. She whimpers a bit every now and then, but so far no real signs of major labor. She has been panting some when she sits up, which is new for today.

Good question Natisha! Hey VackerHast... how much longer you think we're gonna be?

[livaward]

She sounds close! Another thing....I don't know if it's been mentioned....if it's been 4 or more hours since her last pup then you need to feel up inside to make sure there is no puppy stuck in the canal....I remember the last time I had a litter...it was 4 hours and I felt something stuck...called the vet and loaded her up and on the was there she popped it out....unfortunately the baby didn't come out alive. It was sad but it happens. And make sure you keep count of puppies and after birth....make sure each pup has one. If it doesn't come out with the pup don't worry then....just make sure for every pup you have one after birth. And after she is done birthing and you don't have every after birth then give her a shot of pitocin (sp) to have her contract more to get them all out...also....I don't know if you know this or not but a dog uterus is different....it's like there are 2 one on the left and one on the right....she will birth the puppies from one side when that side is empty then she will start to birth the puppies on the other side.

[carla]

Yay! Any new update? :D

[AUEquine]

wow this is really cool. I'm guessing I'm seeing contractions. She's laying down on her stomach and on her flank area it's like something inside her is trying to get out. Like someone has a finger in there and is poking the skin out and moving around. WEIRD, but cool!

[livaward]

if you seen a horse contract...that is how a dog contacts too....the whole stomach area tenses up and gets really tight....kinda looks like a bloated "sleeping" animals on side of the road.

[vicklynn]

hahaha. Yes I'm gathering up my essentials for the whelping room now. Phone, check. Laptop, check. camera, check. gotta go find the stick reader for uploading, and a pillow for me to sit on.
And a quilt for you to lay on...gesh, get your comforts right...LOL

[MyMia]

Anything yet? I can't wait to see pictures of brand-new puppies!!!!

[carla]

Yes, brand-new! The fresher, the better! :D

[AUEquine]

Still waiting. She goes through periods of resting in her box, but her respiratory rate is still high while she's resting. Then she'll get up and wander around the room for a bit, kinda just stare off blankly and pants the whole time.

[livaward]

that is a very good sign...it's getting closer! She is in labor and there is no stopping now!

[shewasmyshadow]

Why do Dad's do this to kids?

My dad is wonderful and loves me unconditionally, but I'm not sure even he knew what came over him. He regretted it, but it was the right decision. Cowboy was alpha dog, but so was our American Eskimo and she, of course, was older. There was not much we could do and Cowboy wouldn't have wanted to be outside all the time. He went to a great indoor home and so I don't regret it too much. I just sometimes wonder why I didn't try harder to get him to get along with the other dog... It's water under the bridge, but Cowboy will always put BC's at the top of my list! He was a once in a lifetime dog. :)

Anyways, I hope Lil Bit births soon and safely.

[AUEquine]

We've got some serious nesting going on here! She's is after those sheets! One step closer!!!

[Vacker Hast]

Yes, she is about an hour from birthing now that she is panting whimpering and checking her vulvar area. Get her excited but not with a loud voice tell her "Show me the puppies" with a happy voice. The happy excitement will help her. If you can tell how far apart her contractions are that will help too. You will start to see her pushing with the contractions then hard panting in between.

Livaward gave great advise to watch for too. It can be overwhelming to remember all this information but the more you know the better chance for momma and pup's to all be just fine. ACD's are a very hearty breed and I didn't have any of those problems but the last few pup's came alot slower I believe more than an hour apart instead of appx. 15-30 min's.

[vicklynn]

Come on girl, you can do it!!

[Vacker Hast]

Since it took appx. 30 mins. to type that last post she is about 30 min's away now that she is pawing hard.

[AUEquine]

She's been trying to lick her vulva... but bless her poor heart she's so big she can't reach it! Mostly she was licking her leg, now she's more determined and has made it to her most posterior udder.

What about milk production? Should I be seeing some? I know horses produce milk long before they foal, but do dogs? Because she doesn't seem to be extreamly bagged up, and there's nothing oozing.

[mandisue]

WHERE ARE THOSE THINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :crazy: :rant: :worthless:

[carla]

Yayyyyyy!!!! Woo hooo come on, Mama!!!

[AUEquine]

WHERE ARE THOSE THINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :crazy: :rant: :worthless:

hahahaha! I feel like a hostage negotiator!!! If you give me one puppy, I'll give you....

[Vacker Hast]

That fast and hard pawing is why you have to keep each pup at a safe distance. She will dig hard and right over any pup in her path which can cause the loss of a pup.

[AUEquine]

Yes I have a small laundry hamper with heating pad and a blanket over it for the pups to go in, if she'll let them. If not the box is big enough that I can put the pad in the corner with the pups. Right now I have it warming up, and have all my extra small towels in it getting warm for picking up and drying the pups.

[Vacker Hast]

Yes, I know you are very well prepared but now you can see why!!! Show us the puppies!!!

[livaward]

Heating pad should be on medium with a towel between the pad and pups....you don't want to cook them....but it's coming and she will continue to nest during the labor also so watch the pups and make sure momma doesn't get one on accident.....milk comes in during the labor process and the after birth helps milk production.....I know it may see gross but let her eat them unless there is alot of pups then I would limit it to like 6 or 7 or it will give her a upset tummy and then you will have puke or the runs.....but she will have the runs for a few days and she will have discharge after birth too just like you would after birth

[shewasmyshadow]

*coos in baby talk* "Show us the puppies! Show us the puppies!!" *changes into Bilbo Baggins voice when he tries to take the ring back from Frodo* "SHOW ME THE PUPPIES!!" :p

[vicklynn]

*coos in baby talk* "Show us the puppies! Show us the puppies!!" *changes into Bilbo Baggins voice when he tries to take the ring back from Frodo* "SHOW ME THE PUPPIES!!" :p

:hysterical:
Thats gonna work....LMBO

[AUEquine]

*coos in baby talk* "Show us the puppies! Show us the puppies!!" *changes into Bilbo Baggins voice when he tries to take the ring back from Frodo* "SHOW ME THE PUPPIES!!" :p

Ya'll laugh but that's pretty much what I've been doing!

Still in the same holding pattern. She wakes up and licks, shifts around, noses through the sheets, then lays down for a little bit quietly but breathing very hard.


Luckly I think my friend is gonna work for me tonight. Her two dogs are home and seem to be doing well. And she could use the overtime to pay their bill. And I have about a month of vaccation time saved up.

[carla]

Awesome! Wow, what a friend- and a huge relief for you! :)

[vicklynn]

Oh goody. I am so glad.

[shewasmyshadow]

Yeah, how nice. Hope the puppies come here soon. Do you have video on your camera? Once you're on one of the later puppies maybe you could video it for us. I'd love to see. :)

[AUEquine]

I'll have to get the video camera and see if it has a charge. That could be a job for hubby when he gets home!

I'm seriously about to lose it just sitting here waiting. Should I stay with her? Or should I leave her alone?

[livaward]

You could leave her alone for a bit but it might upset her if you leave....it just depends on her....I know my girl didn't want me to go anywhere.....I would go to the bathroom and she would bring the pups with her and follow me.....needless to say....I really had to pee once she was done

[Vacker Hast]

Oppppssss I was looking for bits and time got away from me lol. Stay by her as much as possible because it is very comforting to her even when she is sleeping just a bit but it's okay if you need to get up and do something but don't leave the house now. Her next round will be harder and each time after that.

When she's awake continue to get her excited as you are already doing and let her sleep when she does fall asleep or resting.

[Vacker Hast]

Helloooooooooooooo over there lol!!! Any progress? Maybe you're helping her right now...keeping my fingers crossed!!!

[AUEquine]

I wish I was helping her. Nothing's changed. Still the same. Very uncomfortable, lots of panting, lots of licking her vulva, etc. I haven't seen any signs of true contractions yet.

I'm about to start pulling my hair out. My friend couldn't get a sitter so I had to call into work, they won't let me have the whole night off, I have to be there before midnight. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Can't scream with her, so I'm screaming here!!! "HAVE THE STINKING PUPPIES ALREADY!!!!!!"

[CaddoCinnamon]

Hopefully it will happen soon. It sounds like she is coming along.

[Vacker Hast]

Little Bit is really holding out lol!!! She is coming along though but your hubby is going to have to get involved whether he likes it or not. He may call you at work in a panic a BIG PANIC. Now we have to worry about him too poor guy!!!

[Gypsy Rose]

At least I made it back on here in time! Hurry up, puppies!

[miatapony]

do we have puppies YET I WANT TO SEE PUPPIES >>>>NOW NOW NOW PLEASE......

[AUEquine]

No puppies yet. I was forced to go to work, so she is up here with me. Not ideal, but the best I can do for her. She is currently in an orphan foal stall. My students have yelled at me to leave her alone, so I am. We will see what happens.

I'm just so upset, nervous, frustrated, scared, etc. I just want her to have healthy puppies and her to be healthy. I just wish it wasn't taking so long!

[Equine_Woman]

Well she'll probably hold off now that she's not at home!!! Try to relax at work!!! It'lll happen! They can't stay in there FOREVER!! Sterling was a month late though with Sonora so I feel your pain! I slept in the barn near her stall for over a month cause i just KNEW she was going to go early!

[Gypsy Rose]

You're going to be a nervous wreck before all this is over, lol! Your students are probably right, though. Think about mares- they don't seem to like to give birth when someone's watching- most of them, anyway!

I'm going to have to head for bed soon, but I'll check first thing in the morning. Hopefully, this time, when I do, there will be puppy pics!

[vicklynn]

RELAX mom. She will feel you so upset.
There are soooo many of you there now that all will be fine.

[AUEquine]

RELAX mom. She will feel you so upset.
There are soooo many of you there now that all will be fine.

Yes it is really helping to have a student here to tell me to calm down! I've been at home all day, sitting in a tiny room, just me and Bitsy. So needless to say I'm frazzled. So it is helping to have someone to talk to, and someone who knows about vet med.

And on the other bright side, if something does go wrong... we're in the perfect place!

[shewasmyshadow]

I know it's hard for you to wait, but maybe my predictions will be right!! :D I was betting she would give birth between Tues 11pm and Wed 11am. Come on Lil Bit!! You can do it!!

[AUEquine]

Ok, out of my totaly neurotic concern we did a little mini exam on her. She is in fact 100% pregnant (swms, you got me second guessing our first ultrasound)! We ultrasounded her and were able to find 2 separate heart beats. There could be more, but with the ultrasound we have access too right now that's the best we could do. We also did a vaginal exam, and there are currently no puppies in the birth canal. Doesn't tell us much about when she'll give birth, but does tell us that there's not one stuck. So guess I'll just have to keep biding my time and trying not to go crazy!


SWMS, I hope you're time's arn't right! Or at least not that late. Everyone gets here around 7am in the morning, and if she's still in labor that might be a problem. Luckly there are no cases in the Large animal ICU where she is, so I can probably keep them out of here.

I told this to VackerHast in a PM, but I figure it needs repeating. How on earth are there so many back yard breeders! This crap is for the birds! I will never do this again!

[shewasmyshadow]

Okay, well all I know is human births, so here goes... Does the cervix dilate like in humans? Like, for instance, most women take like 10 hours to fully dilate. They keep checking and can tell when you when you need to push. Can you do that on a dog??

[AUEquine]

Okay, well all I know is human births, so here goes... Does the cervix dilate like in humans? Like, for instance, most women take like 10 hours to fully dilate. They keep checking and can tell when you when you need to push. Can you do that on a dog??

Yes she is in the stage where her cervix is dialating. However there isn't a great way to check if the cervix is dialated. If you have a long skinny finger, you could tell if it's open or closed, but it's not very practical since it's pretty stressful to them.

[shewasmyshadow]

Got it. Hmmm... well at least she's with you.

[AUEquine]

WE HAVE A PUPPY!!!!! Going to start a new thread!!!

[shewasmyshadow]

:rant: AWWWWwwwwmazing!!