My girl has just had her second litter. She had her first pup at 5am this morning (Friday) and her 11th one at 11.30am. Number 12 followed dead at 1pm and mum settled right down and was relaxed and attentive to pups when at 3pm after no warning and 2 pushes number 13 arrived. It was ridiculously big, about 3 times the size of the others and was un-revivable. The 1st stage labour was long for my girl (15hrs of slight restlessness followed by 3 hrs heavy breathing and an hr of panting).

She is a very attentive mum and is now relaxed, has eaten and drunk well, has been out in the garden twice for toileting and even had a 2 minute game of catch the snowball (with encouragement from me before she wanted to be back with her pups) and has that marvellous look of excitement, wonder and pride on her face. All in all she is happy and content and not dis-orienatated or unco-ordinated in any way.

The only query I have is that she occasionally, when lay quietly with her pups she shivers across her shoulders and thighs when inhaling. She stops immediately something gets her attention such as a pup or me moving or talking to her. I'm extremely tired obviously and can't remember if she did this last time or not. At the moment I'm just thinking that maybe it is her body's way of coping with the uterus returning to normal but was wondering if your girls do the same.

i dont recall any of my girls doing this is she ok when getting up and walking? maybe it is pain she has? keep an eye on her (i sure you will ;) ) and ring your vet if she shows any signs of it getting worse ,what a big litter! massive congrates and hope all goes well for you and your girl xxx

Her last litter was 14 and I did a thread a couple of weeks ago, just thinking out loud as it were, that if she had another large one then she will be spayed in the spring. I think litters of 14 and 11 are enough for any girl. She has earned a lifetime of admiration and awe from me with the way she has been with her pups. Why is it that when I don't have a nursing bitch and litter I can think with a clear head and be calm, collected and in control and offer great advice.... but when I have my own I'm a nervous wreck and am sure I'm over-analysing every breath or movement!!!!!!

yes i recall it now :) ...im the same when i have a litter ,i think its your girl and babies and logic goes out the window!! and worry just sets in with every thing that happens, my girl is due soon and im thinking about every thing that could go wrong now ,going over and over in my mind :( ,but trying to stay sane at the same time LOL god only knows what ill be like with no sleep and worry :( xx

My girl has an absoultley massive litter on wednesday of 8. Her toy breed only noramlly has 1-3/ She was shivering on her back legs too for a couple of days shes fine now though. The vet said it could be nerves, pain, tiredness. He said to watch closley for other signs because eclampsia starts with this sign.