After the ultrasound, we were thinking there was only one puppy in there, but today’s x-ray showed two little spines! YAY!
You have to wait until at least Day 55 of the pregnancy to x-ray. Prior to that, the puppies’ bones are not calcified enough to show up clearly on an x-ray. Using x-rays to get a litter count before the dog goes into labor is helpful, as it gives you at least a general idea of what to expect. Having this information allows a breeder to make more informed decisions when it comes to both the puppies and the bitch’s well being during delivery.
Because of the small litter size, we have a scheduled c-section for April 19th. The puppies produce a hormone to tell mom to go into labor and with a small litter, there isn’t a lot of that hormone produced. That means the mom might struggle to go into an active labor.
There is still the possibility that Skyy will go into labor on her own. I will be starting to take her temperature 2-3 times daily and when it drops a full degree from her normal temperature, labor is anticipated within 12-24 hours.