Question about preganant female. Very important if anyone can help! - Page 2

there was some blood yesterday, not a ton though. Today the bleeding has stopped and she is eating and drinking as normal. She seems to be more hungry and thirsty though. I would assume its because she is pregnant.
I am hoping she will keep the pups another 10 days.....

Hey Jen, I've worked as a vet tech for 6 years and have heard of things like this before. It could just be the mucous plug, they typically do not bleed but they can contain blood sacs. I don't know if you've used the vet before, but they do not sound too concerned. If it is someone you've used and trusted, I'm sure that they have reasons for not being too concerned; if it is not someone you've used, I would definately bring her in to your normal vet. If there are two dead puppies, then she could get a uterine infection, which can lead to the risk of a C-section and/or spay, and can lead to the possible death of the pups and the female if the uterine becomes septic. If you can gently press on her lower abdomen without her feeling extremely uncomfortable, then that is a good sign against infection. Did your vet run any bloodwork? If the uterine is beginning to become septic due to the dead pups, then there should be elevated levels in the bloodwork. I could be cautious of using antibiotics, some are not good for lactating/pregnant bitches and should not be prescribed unless there is a known infection. Hope this helped with anything, and I hope you and your GSD welcome in some sweet new puppies soon.

progesterone will cause the puppies to mature more quickly
anitbiotics will keep infection from setting in

first find out EXACTLY what is happening inside your bitch and go from there.

I guess you have a lot of info 1. Check her white blood cell count,if elevated,then antibiotics,not to worry,they won't affect the pups. The most important is her now. 2.spotting,blood,is ok now,are you sure is 53 days? 3. I will plan a c-section on the 58th day,especially if there is an infection. Everything will be ok,don't worry. Good luck

Jdiaz, She was bred the 11th of sept- 15th. I am counting from the 11th. So today will be the 55th day. The bleeding has stopped. Nothing yesterday at all and is normal for now. I have been taking her temperature everyday and it is 99.6 F . I will call my vet and see if she can do a c section. Thanks!

Thank you everyone for your knowledge and input! Jen

Sounds like you have this under control for now.  I would continue to take her temperature daily.  Any increase would lead me right to the vet for a CBCD.  I would never start antibiotics without first knowing there is infection.  This can lead to further problems such as secondary infections.  Antibiotics wipe out good bacteria as well as bad, so if there is no bad bacteria, all you are doing is wiping out the good and setting your female up for more issues.  You can use probiotics to help as opposed to antibiotics.  I would not do surgery unless absolutely necessary.  Give her a chance unless the vet determines surgery is necessary.  Assess her often and give her plenty of rest as well as good nutrition...she is almost there :)  I wish you well.

Connie

Constance Krebs, RN
Spartanville Shepherds
www.spartanville.com