In Labor Now ... Long time between pups... - Page 1

My girl's third litter... but this is the longest we have ever had between pups.  Still see pups moving and feel like they were still up rather high. 

First 5 were between 6am - 7:35am.  We are expecting approx 9 pups.  So in about 15 minutes... it will have been 5 hours in between.  

She had a few contractions about 30 min ago... but not in hard active labor.  Again... this is the first time we have had this length of time between pups. 
Called my vet... she does not seem too concerned as of yet... she did have me glove up and put some pressure on the pelvic bone, and see if I felt a pup in the canal (which I did not).

She has been outside several times, and eaten several small meals... Chicken Livers, Cottage Cheese, Ground Beef... and added some Nutrical for energy as well.
Am I just being a worried mom? 

Amy

I would take her in for x-ray if nothing is happening, do you have any oxytocin on hand?  Or tums antiacid, you could try 2 tums right away (it's calcium) see if that makes any difference;  then head to the vet.  Hate to disturb mama dog BUT, how old is she?   5 hours is a long time.  good luck,and please keep us posted.  Nan

I might try to get a little calcium in her to help with contractions. As long as she is not in hard labor and straining to push she is probably okay. I do think 5 hours is about as long as I can ever remember between pups for my girls.

Good luck and stay in contact with her vet if things do not progress further in the next hour or so.

I think you are just being worried. As long as she is not having contractions with nothing coming, I really wouldn't worry THAT much.
Actually 6-8 hrs is not unusual on an experienced dog.
My dogs do this often, like I said as long as she does not seem in distress.
I would take her out for a luttle stroll. No oxytocin? If 8 hrs pass, I might worry. If the vet is on call, I would 'try' to hold off a luttle before too much panic overcomes you.
Best wishes for the rest of your healthy litter.

Sounds like uterine inertia....I keep injectable calcium on hand during whelping. Usually half hour after a couple cc's a pup is delivered.

She does not look tired... yes, I have oxytocin.. but would not dare give it unless she was pushing w/o producing pup.  She has been eating well and been out several times... I just dont know what to think about this time frame.  I have had others tell me they have gone as long as the next DAY... I just am unsure what to think here.  On the good side... I work for a vet.. and they are 1 mile away... I guess I will wait a little longer and than see if I should purse xray/ultrasound...

Figures... all week long 60-70 degrees... today... 20 with wind chill of 13
 

If you give oxytocin when the pups are too high, you could have a real problem. Edit: I posted same time as you, so you already know the danger. Go to the feed store and get some injectable calcium for cattle and dilute 1:10 That's what my vet prescribed because injectable for dogs has been discontinued. You can also get calcium paste for goats that my vet suggested. The problem I had with the paste, was that it must have been old when I bought it, and it was like cement. But with the calcium paste for goats you can use the same dosage for dogs as for goats on the label

What's the update?!

Don't give it when she is pushing. Give it when the pup is in the canal and there are no contractions.  

The other thing is, with delivering so many in such a short time, the rest of the pups haven't had time to move down. I'd still go with some cal (paste is easiest if you can get it) since she has a large litter.