Ten days out from delivery is much too late to begin asking questions. With you being a member here for 3 years, I'm surprised you didn't make use of the resources here long before now.
The others are right in that there just isn't time for you to prepare yourself properly. What you must do is prepare a whelping area for your girl and get your supplies ready. The link posted earlier is a good place to start preparing.
You really should see a vet and get her x-rayed so you can know how many pups to expect. She is far enough along now to get a good view. Don't delay with this. Also, it's likely your vet will be the closest you will find at this time to a mentor so make that appointment now.
If there's anything in your favor, it's that you have a big girl. They typically are stronger and may have a better chance of fewer complications, particularly with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia since her larger size gives her more reserves to call on as the pups deplete her with their pre-natal growth and nursing after birth. There are no guarantees, however, for a problem-free whelp or complications after.
Don't let anyone tell you to just be there for your girl and let her handle things. At a minimum, you will need to intervene to tear the sacs, cut the cords, clear the pups airways, dry and stimulate them to get them going. Do not let the Mom cut the cords as she could easily injure the babies. There was a recent thread where someone let the Mom do the cords and she chewed a pup's foot off. Many Moms get too aggressive and these little ones just can't take it.
I truly hope your girl has an uneventful delivery and that the pups all thrive. You cannot leave it to chance, however. In the little time you have left do all the research you can, see if you can find an experienced breeder near you to help and see your vet ASAP. |