Bullmastiff Bitch Whelping

Question
QUESTION: My bullmastiff bitch has been mated three times do I work out her due date from the first or last mating.  She has ben uncomfortable and her milk has come in, but she is showing no signs of progressing.  I have been to my vet and they are going to induce her tomorrow if she hasn't whelped tonight.  Another breeder has told me I am waiting to long and she have a ceserean done tonight.  Who is right as at the moment I am very confused and don't want to put my bitch or litter in danger.

ANSWER: Hi Helen

Did you breed over the course of a week? Or just three days in a row?  I would split the difference.

By "inducing" is your vet going to give her a shot of oxytoxin?  This essentially detaches the placenta from the wall of the uterus.  A section would require the vet to cut her open and go get them.

First off, is this your females first litter?  Is there any reason to believe she can't whelp this litter on her own without assistance?    Is she "uncomfortable" because she's as big as a house and can't find a spot that doesn't feel right?  Does she have discharge?  If so, what is the color and consistency?  

What is your female "telling" you. Does she appear to be in distress?  Is she sleeping, is she calm, panting, out of sorts?  Pups delivered before 60 days have a smaller chance of survival. Did the vet do x-ray's or ultra-sound?



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

QUESTION: It is her second litter and the first was absolutely normal. The vet did an ultra-sound today and the pups had heartbeats and were moving about.  She had a discharge over the weekend which was clear and stringy obviously the plug coming away, but has none now.  She also had an internal yesterday and today.  The breeder of the sire we use has got me very worried saying that she should be operated on tonight and not wait until tomorrow to be induced.  Can you help?

Answer
The thing is my Mastiff whelped on day 75.  DAY 75!! I couldn't believe it,  but thankfully I have a very calm and level headed vet.  Who informed that larger dogs can hold out longer without issue.

My advise, wait it out, the discharge of the mucus plug tells us that things are progressing naturally.  

Good luck