"Hi everyone. Well, we got the x-ray's in and she's having two puppies that are pretty much the entire size of her body, so they're big. On top of that, it seems like one of the puppies skull has not formed, so the vet said with the abnormality in the most likely case it will die.
I think we'll have to end up getting a c-section, but what are you thoughts about if she is able to go through with a whelp? Looking at the x-rays I don't think its possible with her size. Out vet suggested we asked an experienced breeder how possible it is for her to whelp two puppies.
She advised against spaying at this point, we should let her go through with the pregnancy and save the one puppies life instead of giving them up at this point in the game. "
(Not sure why, but my reply with QUOTE is not working right tonight!)
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I am shocked that a vet would suggest you ask an experienced breeder how possible it is for her to whelp two puppies. SHE is the vet, the one that examined the dog and xrays! What is up with that? Is she trying to pass off some responsibility here? That would fire me up! A vet that was going to ask you for $900 to spay your dog, wants you to check with breeders to see if your dog can whelp 2 puppies? Doesn't that sound a bit OFF to others?
I think I would be very quickly finding another vet to help you through the process. Ask for referrals for your area. You need a vet that can confidently tell you whether or not to approach regular delivery or schedule a C-section. I would want to go regular vaginal delivery if possible, but put the life of mom in priority. As much as this vet was going to charge for a spay, I can't imagine what she is going to charge for a C-section. You might be better off financially with another vet too. Personally, I would no longer trust her since she told you to check with other breeders to see if your dog could whelp the pups. We aren't even privy to the xrays! She should have enough confidence to make the call herself.
I am also skeptical about her saying the one dog's head is not fully formed. Xrays do not always show details -- could it be that it was just not showing all of the dog's head? We sometimes even have trouble counting pup, let alone seeing complete outlines of every feature. Seriously, I would think about a second opinion. I know $$ is tight for you, but it might save you money and lives in the long run. I would normally say, yes sell your pup & put the money towards the spay & neuter fees. But since you were recommended NOT to breed due to size and the luxating patella, I think giving away the pups might be the best way to go. Normally you would give a health guarantee that would include LP and that could cost you $$ in vet fees or at least the refund of purchase price towards vet fees. (Since I hope you are going to spay & neuter, replacement pup would not be in the picture). So -- better to just go ahead and give the pup away and not have to worry about holding the money in escrow for vet fees. Just make sure you still disclose about the luxating patella so they can test for it and be more aware.
Happy New Year -- I took a short break to celebrate the midnight moment & this is my first post of the new year!