Hello I posted previously about no pups showing on scan.

My girl is still showing signs except no pregnant tummy (nipples still alert, still acting precious, lady bits not gone down) she is now on day 57 from first breeding and has been hiding under our Xmas tree quite a bit which isn’t like her. I had her scanned again and again said no pups showing.... the machine kept flickering and going off so equipment not great but this lady does it for a living so took her word for it. We had her groomed and my groomer noticed a massive difference in her behaviour wise and said they could be hiding in her ribs. We have everything ready if they are however I just wondered if anyone has experienced the same and whether or not I should just treat this as a phantom or be prepared for birth?

Yes, pups can hide up in the ribs.  IMO, you should always be prepared for pups if you have bred your bitch.  Part of the reason why I don't scan - scans are often inaccurate. Scans don't give accurate numbers.  And scans only tell you if there are pups there when you scan (they can be absorbed after the scan - and then nada....). 

IMO save your bitch and yourself some stress, be patient and see what comes out.

> scans only tell you if there are pups there when you scan (they can be absorbed after the scan - and then nada....).  <br /><br />IMO save your bitch and yourself some stress, be patient and see what comes out.

This is exactly where I come from re scanning.   Assume there could be puppies until you are able to confirm she's empty, via x-ray after her due date if nothing has happened.

I had one bitch who carried 2 pups under her ribs, they didn't come down until the night she actually whelped.  I had her on the settee with me, with my hand on her belly.  I literally felt them move down.

Did she have any other signs jean? X

With the well-sprung ribcage of a Basset, for sure they carry up in the ribs but apart from the couple of small litters we've had, by the time 7 weeks+ comes, the room needed means the puppies can be seen moving around.

She would be due next week I’ve been placing my hand gentle on her mid section and think I can feel little flutters like popping but it could be gas x

No other signs at all.

Well I’m being hopeful! She hasn’t ate her tea tonight and when on our bed earlier was digging at it which she doesn’t normally do.

Sounds good!  Please don't forget to come back and let us all know how things went. 

She has been sick tonight and up and down off the couch a lot.... do they normally get a bit sick before giving birth?

Yes, for sure they can do - vomit and/or have runny poop.  Panting, being unsettled.  Whining and being uncomfortable.  Good luck!

Four teets seem to be fuller than yesterday and one felt wet earlier and her vulva is large and spongy. There is no discharge at all. She has slept all day today really close to us