False Labor???

Question
QUESTION: I have a Chocolate Lab who is pregnant with her second litter.  Her first litter was "new" to the both of us.  She went into labor without any huge signs to me... it was really a shocker that on day 59 I came in the room to check on her and found a pup all cuddled up with her mama... This litter has been different.  Today is day 61, and for the past 4 days I have been up all night with her being very restless, quick panting, refusal to eat, a lot of pacing, and just acting "strange"... I was expecting some pups, at least by yesterday with the way she has been acting... then it all stops.  She eats, she wags her happy little tail, she wants out of the whelping box and wants to roam the house or just be outside... I am lost!  I am not the most patient person in the world, and this is absolutely driving me nuts!  However, I will live... but my number one concern is her health... I want to make sure that she is okay.  When I say that she is the best dog on the planet, I am honestly saying that in the most non-prejudiced way... SHE IS!!!  Is there a chance that something is wrong inside that needs immediate attention?  If she was looking bad or acting like she didn't feel well, I would already have her at the vet... but she is acting like its just another day on the farm.  I don't understand it!  Is there something that I can do to help her not have such a long and drawn out labor and delivery.  Last litter took her twelve hours to deliver ten pups... I don't want it to be that taxing on her again... what can I do to help my little mama out?

Thanks for the help!
Lindsay

ANSWER: Hi Lindsey:

Thank you for including so many details, as that really helps me to properly understand the entire scenario.

Yes, I would definitely recommend having her examined by your vet, just to be able to see what's occurring on the inside. Since she's 51 days gestation, it's a good time anyway to have at least an X-ray done to see litter size, number & positioning. If any puppies appear to be over-sized to the point where in your vet's opinion, a C-section is recommended or one is positioned in such a way that a natural delivery will be difficult. Although 12 hours to deliver 10 puppies isn't the worst I've ever heard, it's still difficult for her, especially the last ones. Bitches whelping larger litters tire as it progresses & I've found it's often better to at least have your vet on hand or he may feel comfortable enough with providing you with an oxytocin injection, a drug which helps the uterus to contract more efficiently. Many times that's easily done the trick so ask your vet about it.

Of course there are possibilities of pregnancy complications but her actions currently are puzzling. You know your dog best - no one but you knows when there's a problem that isn't obvious. She may have had some mild contractions or may be feeling a surge of hormones. She sounds like a sweet soul & I certainly hope it was merely a normal, minor sensation & the rest of her pregnancy & whelping will be text-book! Please let me know your vet's conclusions. I wish I could be of more help. Are you taking her temperature at least twice daily/ Is she having any vaginal discharge? Be wary if you see any greenish discharge as this can mean a placenta has become detached. Don't confuse it with the expulsion of the mucus plug - that's often described to me as looking like "snotty shoestrings" hanging from the vulvar area!

Feel free to let me know if you have anything to add or her situation changes.

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the info... I went ahead and took her in first thing this morning... they x-rayed her and said that everything looked fine.  Doc said that she looked really close, like within the next 24-48 hours.  She told me to take her temp and that would give me a better reading.  I neglected to ask how soon after the temp drop does labor begin?  Also, the x-ray showed 13 pups!  That is more than I had anticipated!  I'm getting excited and nervous all over again!  Thanks for the info... it really put me at ease!

Answer
Hi Lindsey:

The temperature taking is one way you may get to know when whelping will occur. Of course, like many things, it doesn't always occur in every dog & results can be "iffy" at best. You technically should begin taking a pregnant dog's temp about 2 weeks prior to her due date in order to establish a baseline temperature. On average a normal temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees F - a pregnant bitch will often experience a drop in temp approx 24 hours before labor will begin, often 98 degrees F or less. The marked decrease doesn't last very long so it can be tricky to catch. Generally at this stage I take the temp two to three times daily. With such a large litter she'll likely need some help in any way you can provide it. While whelping is occurring, offer her some broth or even just plain water in between puppies. I'll be hoping for the best for you & your girl!