My vet also does a very gentle palpation at about 25-28 days to confirm pregnancy. She has also done a very accurate puppy count for me at this time. I would not let anyone palpate my dog unless they were very experienced and do so with a gentle touch. We also have x-rays done at 7 to 8 weeks to determine puppy size and position. Rarely do I have an ultrasound done, it is not as accurate with size or puppy numbers.
I have never had a singleton pup but have had several litters of two, some of them free whelp, some were c-section. I have also had c-sections done with 5 small pups that were positioned badly. If my vet thinks that the pups are small enough that a natural delivery is possible, I would NEVER put my mom and pups through a c-section unless it became necessary during the course of whelping. And yes, I agree that anaesthesia is a concern, it is a concern for people, it is a concern for dogs and it is certainly a concern for newborn pups. A surgical delivery is infinitely more dangerous for both mom and pups.
DiamondsDad, I agree with you on this situation, just make sure that your vet is available to you night and day, and do not hesitate for a minute if you think that anything is happening that is not right.
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Audrey |