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Originally Posted by DejaVu  Thanks for your input, that is what I am worrying about. I have tried another thermometer and I think the one I was using was off a good bit. It was reading a low temp of almost a full degree  so I am pretty sure if I had used the other one I had it would not have really dropped to 98. I still feel like she will never go into labor. Her temp is normal this morning and shes acting the same as she has all week. Monday she has an appt to have a c-section, and it will be her 68th day. Maybe the pups are just too big now anyway and its best she just have the surgery...a good thing hidden behind a bit of disapointment? |
The temp dropping only one degree is not enough...They typically drop at least 2 degrees so I would be looking for a temp about 97.8 or lower...
I am not sure what your progesterone levels were when breeding was done...Usually when the progesterone level reaches 2.5 ng/ml breeding is scheduled for two days after this...The sperm require a period of approximately 7 hours after ejaculation before they are capable of fertilizing an egg. The egg also needs time to mature after it is ovulated, generally 48 hours from ovulation until it can be fertilized.
I would recommend doing another progesterone test before doing a c-section...About 48 hours before whelping, the progesterone level drops to the 2 ng/ml range and within about 24 hours of whelping, the level drops to the 1 ng/ml range. This can help determine the proper timing of a c-section thus making sure it is time to take puppies...
It is always better to let mom whelp naturally...If you take pups too early without a temp drop or labor beginning you run the risk of puppies being too early,mom not wanting to care for pups, mom's uterus not wanting to contract back to normal and a spay...
This is a stressful time right before whelping so stay with your mom to be and watch carefully for signs...