Is My Yorkie Pregnant?
 

Hi all! I am new to YT and my fiancee' and I recently re-homed 2 yorkies (brother and sister) a few days ago, however, we noticed once we got home and really checked the female out, her teats are pretty stuck out and her stomach seems a bit bloated. She is only going on a year this month. I am not sure if she is pregnant and figure to see what helpful responses I would get from YT before taking her to a vet and spending a lot of unnecessary money right now. How can I tell if she is pregnant? No milk has been coming out, she is licking her vulva here and there, and does like to show affection, however it is hard for us to know for sure if these are pregnancy symptoms since we only have had them for a few days. Previous owner said she did not notice any signs of her going into heat so she never payed attention to her for those signs or is not sure if her and her brother ever mated. any suggestions on how to tell if she is pregnant on my own without taking her to the vet just yet?? thanks in advance!:)

I think you should take her to the vet.
She could be pregnant, or she could be having a false pregnancy.
If she is pregnant she should be seeing a vet, and if she is not pregnant you need to take her to the vet to see why she is bloated.
There are all kinds of possibilities why a dog could have a bloated belly. Could even be worms. But you also need the vet to rule out "bloat" which is a deadly condition. I hope you just meant distended and not bloated.

Here is a website with some conditions that could cause a distended belly.

Dog Medical Conditions: Distended Abdomen in Dogs

And when you get new dogs you should always get them vet checked.

She has been to the vet for a regular check up already. The vet told me to wait a few more weeks before they go ahead and do an x-ray on her. I figured i come on here and see what others who have experience with yorkie pregnancies could throw out some suggestions. I have 6 dogs total and have experience with dogs so i would know what to look for but just not with pregnancies with dogs and I always de-wormed my pets when i first got them and they get de-wormed just about every month. as for the yorkies they are my first pair so this is why i posted. Maybe i used the wrong term bloated but to me, she looks pregnant. I have never experienced a pregnant dog in all my years of being around dogs or owning them so i am not to familiar with that part. I took her straight to the vet the next day for a check up and that was what I got. I just dont want her to undergo an x-ray if it is not necessary that is all.

For the situation it seems like your concern is very real, she may have had a heat and mated with her brother??? Well, if that is the case you may want to ask yourself about if you want to deal with a litter of "in-bred" puppies, that can potentially have a ton of health issues. If she was exposed to a different breed male, a larger one , her life could be at risk .
Have you thought about having an emergency spay done?
I never had this and i am not sure how i would react my self if facing such situation, but it is a choice available for you , if you make a decision soon.
If she turns out to be pregnant , you also risk the need to have an emergency c-section to be performed if labor does not go natural, and because of her young age and the lack of background knowledge on her, it is a real possibility. C-sections, when planned ahead are already expensive, emergency ones can be VERY expensive ... can go into thousands of dollars, financial stress and emotional stress is involved.
You are in a tight spot .
Hopefully this info was of some help for you .
XOXO

I am suppose to get their medical records from them. I am going to ask for the vet name info etc so if they do not supply with records I can just call myself. On the other hand, I do know enough that it would end up being her brother whom would be the potential father, they only had the mother living with them and the 2 that i have now which were the pups. I have heard many things with inbreeding but do not know much about it but I guess it would be time to do my research. I am ready to take on any challenge that god forbid may turn out wrong if she were to be indeed pregnant. I do not have the heart or will power to turn her away for something that was not her fault. It was irresponsibility on the previous owners part which i do agree 100% for them not paying closer attention. thank you for your input as it has put me to want to research more on inbreeding just to be safe. I just cannot turn my back on these lil guys now it just would not be right. Are you familiar with the potential health risks/concerns with inbreeding? anything would be helpful. Also, When you feel her belly, more towards the vulva in between her 2 teats there, please forgive me if i explain this wrong as I do not have dog pregnancy knowledge, but in that area those 2 teats seem a tad bit saggy like..you can grasp it in between your fingers but does not look at all like she was already bred i know that much. I just do not know the right way to explain it. I will try to post pictures soon so all can see and let me know what they think thank you so much for your input as it all is helpful and more is always welcomed.

I am suppose to get their [COLOR=green ! important][COLOR=green ! important]medical [COLOR=green ! important]records[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] from them. I am going to ask for the vet name info etc so if they do not supply with records I can just call myself. On the other hand, I do know enough that it would end up being her brother whom would be the potential father, they only had the mother living with them and the 2 that i have now which were the pups. I have heard many things with inbreeding but do not know much about it but I guess it would be time to do my research. I am ready to take on any challenge that god forbid may turn out wrong if she were to be indeed pregnant. I do not have the heart or will power to turn her away for something that was not her fault. It was irresponsibility on the previous owners part which i do agree 100% for them not paying closer attention. thank you for your input as it has put me to want to research more on inbreeding just to be safe. I just cannot turn my back on these lil guys now it just would not be right. Are you familiar with the potential health risks/concerns with inbreeding? anything would be helpful. Also, When you feel her belly, more towards the vulva in between her 2 teats there, please forgive me if i explain this wrong as I do not have dog pregnancy knowledge, but in that area those 2 teats seem a tad bit saggy like..you can grasp it in between your fingers but does not look at all like she was already bred i know that much. I just do not know the right way to explain it. I will try to post pictures soon so all can see and let me know what they think thank you so much for your input as it all is helpful and more is always welcomed.

With inbreeding-there is greater risk of pups born with health issues-like in humans.

Could you take her for a spay? I'd take her back to the vet and ask for one. The last thing you need is pups being born with health issues. If you dont feel comfortable with that then you should prepare in advance for possible health problems and heartache. It is risky. If she needs a c-section, those are very costly. Raising a litter is very costly, even when there arent complications (whelping supplies, puppy pads, goats milk, calcium supplements for mom, and the list goes on).

My yorkie felt thick on her side high up between her ribs and her hips. The nipples enlarge and turn pink, vulva will be a little swollen. She'll be lazy and sleep a lot. My vet couldnt palpate puppies at around day 45 but she was able to feel pregnancy fluid in the uterine horns.

I wonder if that is what i am feeling by her teats?? When i feel near her teats, i feel something there again not sure how to explain it at all. sorry.. I am not sure if i have the heart to rid her pups either i just am not sure! oh my! what a decision i am going to have to make and fast if she indefinitely is pregnant... If she is pregnant i do not think she is far long yet in her pregnancy im only going based on her stomach not being as "full" as they get. Would I be wrong to let her have her pups considering that i am not comfortable getting her an emergency spay?????? what a nerve wrecking decision!

I wonder if that is what i am feeling by her teats?? When i feel near her teats, i feel something there again not sure how to explain it at all. sorry.. I am not sure if i have the heart to rid her pups either i just am not sure! oh my! what a decision i am going to have to make and fast if she indefinitely is pregnant... If she is pregnant i do not think she is far long yet in her pregnancy im only going based on her stomach not being as "full" as they get. Would I be wrong to let her have her pups considering that i am not comfortable getting her an emergency spay?????? what a nerve wrecking decision!

I would get the x-rays and get a couple of different vet's opinions on brother-sister breeding and any potential health issues, if those issues are remote I wouldn't just run and have her spayed and kill puppies, if you are prepared to handle a litter.
Kendra

Why not just have her spayed now.

You say you don't have the heart to get rid of her pups. But do you have the heart to potentially lose those pups after they are here due to congenital defects? Immune system disorders, skeletal deformities and a decreased life span are just a few of the things you could be potentially facing. Even if the pups appear healthy at first, they may have defects that show up after time, after they are with their new owners, that can cause heart break.

Hopefully, this is just a false alarm. At the very least, please get your male neutered ASAP so this doesn't happen again.

I am sorry you are facing this situation. Seems "no win" either way. My mom had a similar situation. She bought a 9 month old dauchshound that wound up being pregnant (by her father it turned out). By the time they figured what was wrong with the poor little girl she was fairly far along. They could not imagine someone letting a dog that young getting bred! After discussing with the vet, they decided to let her continue and she had the pups. Thankfully they were all fine and she even wound up keeping 2 and finding another home for 2 together. Then she had everyone spayed/neutered. But I think this is a very case-by-case situation where you need to get some good imput from the vet and see if you trust the lady is telling the truth that the brother is the only possible sire. Regardless, I would follow the pregnancy closely getting xrays and maybe a ultrasound. You don't want any more surprises.

I see both sides of this stuation. I know logically that one should not bring more pups into the world that are potential birth defect/congenital disease/hereditary health problem carriers. Not only do you not want the puppies born with these things, but you then have a responsibility to make sure they are all spayed and neutered before going off to new homes so conditions that are more prone to show in every other generation are also nipped in the bud. So, logically emergency spay is the answer.

But....I have my heart speaking to me on the other side as well. I am against abortion unless mother's life is endangered. In this case, that may well be the case. Someone who let a pup be bred at less than a year by a litter brother may have also let her be tied with a neighborhood dog of uncertain lineage. Oh....this is making me sad just talking about it. Glad I am not in your shoes! Pray on this a bit after getting some vet input along with the pros that have answered you here. Then go with your decision knowing there really was no "right" answer.

I would say a brother sister breeding is very risky. You have genetics from both the mother and the father. A father breeding to a daughter only has double genes from the fathers side, still risky but not as much as brother/sister. Any congenital defects in the lines may rear its ugly head for sure. I know the decision I would be making. I also would not call this an emergency spay. An emergency spay is done to save the mother, but you could schedule a spay this week for sure and not pay the emergency fee.

Well let's look at it, this way, she is a year old, and due for a spay. You are not a breeder, and do not want to be a breeder. Take her in and have her and her brother spayed.

You should get all the pre op blood work done, to insure, a safe spay.

You have no idea of the health of the lines of these two. Quite simply breeding brother and sister, can be double the trouble, of any underlying genetic defects. Recessives, on both sides, breed, and then there you go, the health issue crops up. Have these two at least been tested and found clear for LS? What about LP? PRA?

You already own six dogs, that is a lot of time, care, and attention that you need to give to your own dogs. Now imagine a litter, being constantly on call 24/7 for 2-3-4- pups and the dam.

This young to be bred, a good chance for a C section, and with a C-section there is also the risk that the young mom, won't want to nurse the pups. Requires lots of interaction and handling on your part.

Then of course if you elect to have pups, you will need to do all the health testing prior to placing them. And then there is placing them; looking at potential owners, evaluating the kind of care and home they will give your pup, what health guarantee will you be willing to offer?

I don't think you want to go down that route. Book your spay now.

Generally speaking, first generation mating of sibling dogs don't produce issues; that being said, it's "generally", after years of sibling interbreeding is where the deformities and other issues will show up. Talk to a couple vets --- if you get conflicting opinions, ask a couple more...plus do your own research, I think you'll find though this situation isn't optimum, it's hardly worth doing an emergency spay (something that cannot be undone) and forever rendering your dog unable to have puppies should that be something you choose do in the future.
Talk to the previous owners again and tell them you just want to make sure she's safe and ask them if there any way she could have been breed by any other dog. You'll have to trust what they say and I would agree this is a pregnancy that should be monitored closely. If you're not ready to handle a litter and have serious doubts you'll want to breed her down the road, have the spay done and be done with it all. Only you can make the decision as to what's best for you, your dog, and your family.
Kendra

this is a tough one, and something that is entirely up to you; hopefully all the information in this thread has been as helpful as you hoped it would be...

one thing i always have to remind myself of, is that breeding and whelping (deliberately and accidently) is an expensive and sometimes heartbreaking thing to do- i lost a 7 week old pup suddenly to an anurism about 3months ago and i still find myself crying about it now- and that'll be me for a long time over her, and if i ever loose any more :aimeeyorkbabys. i love my girls like parents love their children- (i'm assuming its the same with most furbaby owners) so loosing a little creature that you helped deliver into this world- the offspring of your much beloved pet- is a feeling that you cant really prepare for, and its made that bit more likely with such a close inbreeding as your new additions.

personally, i would take her straight to the vet, see if she is pregnant for starters- if not, get whatever is causing the oversized abdomen treated, if she is pregnant and you don't want to immediately spay, talk to the previous owner about it, get an idea of 'heat' dates if possible (maybe they noticed her staining the furniture?) and compare those dates with the x-rays of the pups to ensure the sire wasnt a larger breed dog, then ask the vets experinces with inbreedings, do Loads of research, talk to breeders in your area- maybe someone would be willing to lend a hand if needed; start buying in whelping and weaning supplies and saving up for vet visits and puppy shots etc... and try to arrange a way for someone to be there 24/7 with her as she gets closer to whelping time...

please let us know how it goes at her check-up!
all the best!

Could be she is in heat. might be her first when sometimes it,s hard to tell. Diffently go to vet, to find out, so if she isn't -make sure she doesn't get pregnant. GOOD LUCK!- Alison [Let us know whats up]

If I had the choice of a bro/sis litter or a spaying..I will take the spay asap...that decision comes from nearly 40 yrs of breeding.

PS...you do not want to worm Yorkies on a monthly schedule..run a stool check every 3 months if parasites are a problem where you live...best wishes.

I agree 100% and after nearly 21 years of breeding!! :thumbup:

Breeders do not breed siblings. This is not my definition of line breeding or inbreeding. This is a huge no no.

She's too young to be a mom. She isn't mature enough. Breeding too young robs them of a childhood, never to re-coup.

Even if the parents were health tested and your girl and boy were, it wouldn't change things. If you were wealthy without any other pets, it would also apply.

Spaying her now is the safest, most loving thing to do. Why subject her through risking her life? There isn't any reason not to spay her now. You have so many reasons that spaying her right now is the best thing to do.

The only way it wouldn't sensible is if she is in heat. She may be, this may explain some of her swelling. It would explain some licking. In this case, you need to keep the boy away from her now. Don't expect to see blood. She could have an infection.

Her vet records won't help you with anything expect her shot records. I would expect the unexpected. You are kind for taking them in. I can understand your concerns. Spaying now is safe, very human and in her best interest.

any news?
 

was just wondering if you have taken her to get checked out yet? was it good or bad news?

i hope your little girl is well!

There is a blood test the vet can do to confirm the pregnancy. I would start there and then make any other decisions after having a lengthy conversation with your vet. But I would take the little boy in now to be neutered.

I forget how far they have to be for the blood test, sorry. But discuss the spaying option with your vet. And I hope all turns out well.

Hi all and thank you all for your input as it is appreciated. As for my lil Treasure, she is indeed pregnant and after doing my own research( also talking and getting info from previous owners) I have decided that I will let her have her pups. I have consulted all the possibles with the vet and he told me that being that this from what we know will be the first inbred line that it normally doesn't conduct any serious problems that we should need to worry about. The vet and I actually both spoke with the previous owners while i was in the vets office because he wanted to speak directly with her and get as much info as he could to make the final decision. According to previous owners she said that Treasure never showed any type of signs that led her to believe she was in heat so she never expected it and on that note she never thought the need to strictly supervise them playing considering that a heat cycle was not visible from what she saw. The parents of both bro and sis are not inbreeds at all which was great news and according to her the grandparents were not either. Treasure and Maximus (which are the brother and sister Yorkie that i have) were bred from this previous owners and so where the grands when they had the grandparents at one point. She said the grandparents were purchased from 2 separate litters at the time from 2 separate set of parents then of course they mated them a little time after whenever it was and out came the mommy of Treasure and Maximus. At that time when the mom was old enough which was last year, She mated the mom with a relatives Purebred Yorkie and out came my lil furbabies and here we are now with everything today. So based off the info the vet thought it would be clear and to rule out any serious hereditary problems and defects.His only concern was possible lack of calcium but he said it is not too high of a concern for him since she was previously on a puppy food which i have changed when they came home with me to a more high premium pup food and I am also giving her fat free cottage cheese twice a day per another YT members advice which vet said was fine. :) We did an x-ray and he said a skull count of 3 definite were visible at this time but was unsure because it appeared that there were a possible 2 more so we are going to give it another week and do another x-ray. thanks again for all the advice. As for those who advised me to seek for an emergency spay, that did not sit comfortable with me considering that as much in her lil mind she knows she is going to be a mommy and then I get final say on whether or not she keeps them, i have no heart to take away her pups. I have more heart and compassion to deal with what is to come, for those who think inbreeding is such a huge ordeal maybe new research should be researched again. It could be a potential problem but only if there where a consistency of inbreeding through all the generations which here it is not the case. As for her puppy hood she will still have a great life and play and be spoiled so to me at the end of the day that is what counts. That I as a pet owner continue to properly care for her and give her the best life I possibly can. Some may not agree with my decisions but I am making sure that i take the right precautions that i need, i would prefer that from now i get some of you to give me advice on whelping and other things related to a healthy pregnancy and labor since i have chosen to allow her to keep her lil babies. And no worries, the inbreeding stops here once her pups are born since I will not be doing that. A mistake happened off my watch prior to being re-homed into my family no errors of mine and i had to make a big decision, So now lets all just embrace this moment and hope to god that wonderful healthy pups are born, Treasure is doing fine by the way and very active and attached to me as well. I was able to feel 2 pups in her belly today at least i thought they were pups when i felt her belly lol. She makes it rather difficult for me to feel because she always tries to run off she doesnt like to be on her side unless she lays that way herself. lol. well thanks again all and lets pray for healthy pups! :)

Well I am glad the vet says she should be fine. I can't offer you any advice on the whelping and such, but I can offer you an ear if you need it. I hope that everything goes good and wish you a happy thriving litter!:) Have fun with the new arrivals. 3 or maybe even 5 that is gonna be so fun but a lot of work to. Let me know if you just want to have some one to chat to. Good luck.

You know, I was actually rather impressed with your response until I got to this part. :rolleyes:

Please, do not insinuate that your dog would suffer emotionally if she had an emergency spay or suggest that those who are well researched and with loads of experience in this area gave you poor advice, have unfounded concerns over inbreeding and that they are the ones in need of proper research. That's just insulting and nothing more than an unnecessary attempt to justify your decision.

If you've decided that you are going to allow her have the litter, than that's ultimately your choice. Kudos to you for going above and beyond to seek the best advice you could to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. You are going to have to deal with the stress because of someone's else's oversight and you are certainly taking a more responsible route than many.

Hope all goes well for her. Good luck! :)

Just wanted to say good luck with the litter. I know that this is not a typical breeding situation but what's done is done. You have very little time to prepare for the birth of these babies. I have posted a link below that has tons of useful information.

In doing your research, you may want to find a reputable breeder in your area that could maybe help assist you in the birth. Someone who has experience with small breeds would be great, but anyone who is knowledgable with the signs of distress during labor would be of assistance as well.

Again good luck and I hope all goes well for you and your treasure.

YL

Dog Breeding and Canine Reproduction by Debbie Jensen. Dog Breeding and Whelping guide for dog breeders.

In breeding, when done by the novice, is a big deal. When close line breeding is done, it's done by only the most experienced of breeders looking to preserve the most specific of traits. Hopefully, you will beat the odds and the pups won't be the ones to suffer.

Good Luck with the whelping and your litter. You can start your research on whelping by looking at the stickies here.

Make sure your vet will be on call for you as whelp date approaches, and that he fully explains how to tell if your bitch gets into trouble. Put his numbers on your speed dial.

You should also go over with your vet all the whelping supplies you will need.

Yorkies do need assistance with birth. Read up on some of the mishaps here when they are not given the proper help aid and support. I'm sure your vet has informed you of the challenges of toy birthing. and how best to assist your bitch in labour, and during and after the birthing process. Make sure you count the afterbirths.

Best of luck