Still pregnant at day 64
 

I am looking for some advice and guidance! This is my first whelp with my Arabella! She is 2 years old, prior to her pregnancy she was about 5.5pounds!

I have lots of local support, but truthfully no one near me who specifically has breed Yorkshire Terriers! My vet is amazing and on call for me 24/7! But I do live in the county with no "mentor" to help. My vet is only 10 mins from my house and will come here if need be!

So my question is as follows she tied 7 times with my male. Today would be day 64 of her pregnancy if I go based on the first tie! However, between her first tie and her second tie there was a three day gab! My vet believes that first tie didn't take and then she is technically 61 days today!

IVe taken the time of work to be with her, she's never alone! We did an extra but she is a wiggle worm and couldn't confirm the amount of puppies we know 3 for sure but we think up to 5! Based on the way the xray looked (we took 5 different shots and still couldn't get her to sit still on two separate days).

Her milk has been coming in everyday more and more, first day we the bottom two nipples, next day was the 4 nipples now 6 out of 8! Her tummy has been a little red.

I guess my question is at what point should I be concerned that she hasn't started whelping yet??

Thank you in advance!

If I am understanding dates and times correctly, if the first tie "didnt take", and there was 3 days between ties.....and then she tied 7 more times// was that for the next 7 days or was that more than once a day?......(I personally do not allow more than one tie a day simply because it has been MY experience it takes the stud AT LEAST 24 hours to "recover", and my studs are on special diets before called to breed and are treated like athletes in training, so they are in tip top shape).....If I was you, taking into consideration all the dates and the time line and the possible "over breeding" of the male, and all the ties, you do not want her to whelp early or you are going to have preemies and unless you are experienced or have a mentor with you that is, you will have a real challenge keeping that litter alive. If I was YOU, I would expect something by day 70....if she has not gone into labor by then, hopefully the babies are developed enough and will be ready to take by section.

Thank you very much for the reply!
Yes there was 2 days in which they tied twice, otherwise their ties were roughly 24 hours apart. They tied over the course of 7 days, which includes the gap between first and sencond tie!

Again thank you for your advice! I do not plan to breed her yearly, I feel that is too hard on them! Which is just my personal opinion!

Actually reproductive research has proven that it is the bombardment of hormones on an unspayed female's reproductive system that causes major concerns and problems. Every seminar I have attended suggest that bitches that are to be used as breeders, should be bred every heat cycle. As long as the dogs are maintained and fed appropriately, and kept fine tuned and in tip top shape, this is much better than allowing a breeder to go unbred. The reproductive specialists I have followed all suggest spaying a breeder if you do not intend to breed her.

I f she has not whelped by now, now is the time to be concerned. Have you done very recent xrays to see the position of the pups?


Let us know how your gal is doing. Thanks

She actually whelped on day 65! Last Saturday! She/we welcomed 5 little babies into the world! 3 baby boys and 2 little girls! 1 boy was only 2 oz and I am supplementing him as well as he is nursing! One little girl was unfortunately born with a birth defect! Missing her tail and she was unable to poop! Therefore, we did what was best and let her go! The rest were all born the same weight of 4 oz! All healthy and happy! Mom did great no issues everything has been great! Just helping mom keep up with the littles as her milk supply isn't enough to supply them all for an entire day!

Thanks again ladies for your help and knowledge!