Premature Whelping

Question
Hi Renee. Ok, so here's the question. My Lab bitch is on litter # 3. Her last two went off without a hitch, big litters, but healthy pups. She recovered well, and was an excellent mother. Both times she whelped 62 days after the first AI. This time around, she's larger than the previous two, and the vet said she might go early. She's on day 52, and has been showing signs of possibly being in labor all day. She's been restless and jumpy, her vulva has become soft, and enlarged. And her temp has dropped to 99.5 F. If she were to whelp now, would that be bad for the pups?? Would appreciate any help you can offer!! Thanks alot
Kara

Answer
Hi Kara. Usually, the temp drop is lower. Some girls are different however. Most pups born before day 58 don't have much of a chance sadly. That seems to be the magical number. Is there anyway that she was bred earlier than you thought? As for her behavior, she may be just getting herself ready for the whelping. I have found that the vulva will soften up a few days to a week before the actual day. I would take her in and maybe get an x-ray done. I wish I could give you better advice, but there's really not a whole lot you can do. Good luck, and please let me know if I can help with anything else, and how it turns out.