Speaking of a Pregnant Bullie
Submitted by Ambassador Bulldogs on October 9, 2010 - 8:48pmOkay, now that I've seen the other posts.. I just want to get more advice and estimates from other breeders who have had a few litters.
This is my first litter, I've been researching and planning for a good 4-5 years though and know a fair amount of books smarts, but not exactly hands on experience until now.
She had progesterone done and her levels were a 2.3ng on Friday, We bred her on Sunday & Tuesday following, believing that she most likely ovulated Sunday or Monday. I was working with a sire out of town a couple hours away, so I had to use my best judgment since it was a weekend and the beginning of a work week for all of us the following week. She did take. She was bred on Aug 29th and Aug 31st. On Sept 2nd the following Thursday one last progesterone was done to ensure she had ovulated it was at a 28.5 ng. That calculates me to think her due date is between Sunday Aug 31st and Monday Nov 1st. The vet is on call from Oct 28th through the 1st. And any day after that is fine, as it's a normal week day, but we are going to take the puppies in the afternoon on the 1st regardless, so anything after that would not matter. She was ultrasound at day 30 and has approximately 6 puppies, maybe one could be hiding, that's never an exact amount..
My question is, I know starting that last week probably on Thursday start taking temps 2-3 times a day, and as soon as I see it drop it's between then and 24 hrs notify the vet. I was thinking of taking them that Saturday, but what if we are 2-3 days off, best to be safe than sorry correct? Nov 1st would seem like the best date and probably due date. If she ovulated a day or so extra, it's okay as the pups are only 1 day early possibly 2. Do a lot of people really take them at day 59-60? I have been reading a lot say day 60? That's why I'm starting to get a little nervous as time approaches. 3 more weeks from this Monday and they are here. Just wanted some extra advice and wisdom with this. I think I'm alright though. Doesn't hurt to hear a few more people's frame of mind though.
Thanks
You're probably right about the due date being
October 31st, guessing that she did ovulate on August 29, and I'd be prepared to take her in on October 29th or 30th. But since you didn't take another progesterone until several days later, you can't know if she possibly stalled and ovulated a few days later. Starting a week before the due date, take the temp twice a day and monitor her behavior, if milk comes in and if she loses appetite. Good luck and keep us posted! Best wishes.
Yup. The reason for last
Yup. The reason for last progesterone on that thursday was I had her at the sire's house for a couple days.. And it was a busy work week. I was actually going to wing it and not go for the last progesterone, but am glad I did as it helps pin point things even more.. Some would consider it pointless etc. but as it being my first litter I am glad I went through with it.
I wish
I would have stuck to my guns and gotten one. I had done plenty of reading and knew that many people keep getting them to be sure diestrus has begun... *sigh* wish I would have. I was told it was pointless but like you said , it would have helped pin point things and not left me wondering.