Puppy Puzzle, and Emma’s Temperature Is Dropping
Thanks to the computer knowledge of our eldest son, Mike Jr., we found a way to put Emma’s XRay from yesterday at the vet on our blog. The puppies at her back end are so crowded together, it’s like Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Counting the actual number of puppies is impossible, even with the magnifying glass that I tried. At least eight is what Dr. Feldman and Barb and I can figure. This number fits in with the last utrasound I did. But it is very possible to miss one or two with these stuffed quarters. So we will have to patiently wait and be surprised, and we may have to do another XRay, after her labor appears over to be sure everyone is out. Enlarge the photo by clicking on the XRay and try your own count if you would like. The easiest way is to count heads or spines.
Preparations for the birth took on a more urgent pace last night when we took Emma’s temperature and found that it was already under 100 degrees. Usually our dogs run 101 plus. When the temp is below 100 degrees at term and then drops further, that usually signifies labor will start within one to two days. So we hastily made up my cot and got the final equipment and supplies ready.
For those readers that are new to us and our breeding habits, my new place of sleep for the next three weeks will be by the whelping box. We don’t want to take any chance of a little pup getting into trouble, and especially want to prevent Emma from inadvertently rolling onto any of them. Vigilant and interrupted nights are nothing new to an old obstetrician like me, but it certainly will be different hearing puppy squeaks rather than the sounds of human labor. Emma is at my feet sleeping while I type this. Despite having a house full of company and lots of things to still do for the holiday crowd that is coming, Barb or I will continually keep watch.