Hi

Just thought it might be worth asking some opinions. My bitch is now on day 64, and she refused food 24hours ago, at the time that her temp dropped and stayed depressed. She has been nesting for England, and this morning the clear sticky discharge has increased. I have phoned my vet and he says to leave her longer !! This will be her second litter, but the first one was emergency section due to her producing green discharge on day 64, which turned out to be caused by mumified puppy (or what would have been a pup), but 5 health pups were still delivered, this was 2 1/2 years ago. I am pretty sure that she is in the very early stages of labour, but how long would anyone suggest I sit and wait as my vet has told me to? I can't help feeling a little worried as I don't want to leave it until there is a problem. Mum seems fine and happy, and pups are moving very well, their movement is easily visable. Her breeder has suggested getting the vet to give her a jab to get things going but he doesn't want to do that just yet!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My vet told me that as long as the pups are obviously moving well, and still high up, nothing is going to happen for several hours at least. If the bitch is fine and happy, then I would wait. This stage can take up to 48 hours. A jab of oxytocin to 'hurry things up' would probably damage the bitch if the cervix isn't fully dilated.
Good luck.
:)

I wouldnt worry - This stage of labour can go on for a long time!!! ITs when she starts pushing and straining that you need to watch the clock - I'm not sure if its the same in all breeds but with Shih Tzus we only leave them to push 1 hour - 1 1/2 hours max before calling the vet out if there is no puppy.

Good luck!