Yorkie breeding

Question
QUESTION: Hi there!

I have a 2 1/2 yo female and a 4 yo male. I bred them on her last heat cycle (puppies whelped on Nov. 21 2010) and the one before that (puppies whelped on April 2 2010).

The decision to breed her back to back was made in the interest of her health. After a lot of thought, research and advice from my vet and fellow breeders (and based on her health and the health of the puppies from the first litter) I believed it was best. I had planned on giving her at least one heat "off" before breeding her a third time and having her spayed after that (around the age of 4).

She came into season on the 10th of April (first day of spotting) and I had separated them until last night (day 22). Last night he did not seem interested, she was not flagging and when he did try to go near her she snapped and growled at him. So, today I thought we were in the clear, but was keeping an eye on them anyway. Sure enough I turned around for a minute and they tied together. She stood for him and they were tied for a good 10 minutes, and there was a significant amount of discharge when they separated.

I feel terrible and am not sure what to do now. Should I get her a shot of oxytocin, have her spayed or let her have this litter if she is pregnant? Do I have any other options besides those?

Her previous litters had no complications at all, she remained in great health throughout and seemed to bounce back quickly. That being said, I want to do whatever poses the least amount of risk to her and her health. I had always considered myself a responsible breeder but feel horrible right now and am really worried about her! I would be grateful for any advice you can give me,

Thank you so much for your time!

ANSWER: Hi Kym

You are right about your options, those are them.  

If she's in good health I would consider waiting to see if she took.  No point jumping the gun if she doesn't take. You can then chalk it up to "lesson learned".

If she is pregnant it is vital that you increase her vitamin intake, including calicum, fish oils and raw organ meats.   All these will help put important nutrients back into her system that repeat breeding leach out.  

Good luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your timely and compassionate response!

Now that the panic has dissipated a bit that makes a lot of sense. In your opinion, what is the best/ fastest way to determine if she took? I've always used the belly palpitation with my vet at day 20-25 from mating. Do you know when the best time to do a relaxin test is, or if they are even a good option? In the past I have not changed her diet untill almost 5 weeks along, and then it's just a gradual switch on to a premium puppy food.  I have heard so many contradictions about what to feed and supplement with (ie: too much calcium is bad and can cause weaker contractions, large puppies and dangerous weight gain, but not enough is bad as well, and vitamins a & d cause birth defects??). I do have a great vet that I will work with to determine her diet and supplements but I would love to know what you would reccomend, especially regarding when I should introduce the calcium, fish oils and raw organ meats. Also, if there are brands that are better than others?
Thank you again for everything!

Answer
You talk to enough people, you will get enough different answers to make your head spin.

From my personal experience (going on 30 years working closely with holistic and "regular" vet) I can confidentally say the following:

1. Puppy food will make the pups grow bigger, and we never give it to females until after the pups whelp;

2. Vitamins do not cause birth defects. In certain breeds they can combat cleft palates, counter weak pasturns, cure/prevent kennel cough and more

3. Calicum assists with contractions;

4. Fish oils helps with brain development and make for a beautiful coat.

There are excellent kibble available depending on your demographics would determine what is available.  We start with the supplements before we even do a breeding.  The key is moderation.  If she's not use to the extra's you will want to start slowly.  Calicum, three times a week, fish oils every other day (and only one squirt), and raw meats just a few peices a day.

Good luck