Just wondered if anyone has any views on the following:- Having had all health checks done on  a bitch, I decided when she reached the age of two that I would not breed from her as she was a poor eater and was always very lean (you could see her ribs). However by age 3 she suddenly decided she would eat everything in sight and bodied up quite nicely so I duly mated her. The scan confirmed she was pregnant. By week 7 it was evident the the litter would be small but she refused to eat for 5 days so off to the vets. He scanned to make sure pups were ok and we discovered there was nothing there, no pups!
I mated her again and the scan revealed 1 pup. She went off her food again for a few days but nothing really worrying. Due date came and she had to have c-section. 1 very small dead pup was delivered.
She is now 4 years and 3 months old and healthy. Do I try again? or do I call it quits and have her spayed. I bred this bitch myself and she has the most wonderful temperament and I would dearly love something from her but wonder if it is worth putting her through perhaps another c-section again. Just wondered what others point of view is on this.

If you are tempted to breed her again i would make sure to get the herpes injection, they say herpes cause puppy losses , fading pups and aborted litters

http://www.canineherpes.com/

Sorry, forgot to say. I did have the Canine Herpes vac the last time I mated her. She was also swabbed to make sure she had no infections.

Just my opinion and you will do whatever you wish, but I wouldn't breed from her myself I just would not want to put her through anymore. (Or myself)

I know she is obviously health checked and reared by yourself and I understand you wanting one of her pups, but I am just one of those people who believe that everything happens for a reason, with two failed attemps and a C-Section, I would leave my bitch in peace now. But that is just my opinion and based on nothing more than a protective instinct towards my dog, you may well breed her again and get some lovely pups.  I just wouldn't risk it myself.

I personally wouldn't breed from her again. There is obviously something going on but is it worth the risk? If she has a caesar again, you could lose her.......worst case scenario of course.

I don't know anything about breeding, but, I don't think you should put your girl through this again - just be thankful that you have bred such a lovely girl and enjoy her!
Maria

Just to say thank you to everyone for your views