clear, gooie liquid

Question
My 7 year old jack russell is 60 days pregnant and hasnt been eating well over the past two days. Today (7/11) and last night (7/10) she has came in from peeing with a clear string of goo coming out of her. I took her temp at 3:30pm PST and it was 100.3. Her average is 101-101.5. Is this all normal? I read that not eating is normal and temp drop is an indication, but what about a discharge of this nature? Does it indicate labor onset? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Chantelle:

What you're seeing is the expulsion of the mucus plug & it's perfectly normal. On average this begins to discharge approximately a week plus or minus from the onset of labor. Continue taking her temp at least two to three times daily & hopefully she'll show a clear drop to below 98 degrees, at which time you can usually expect labor to begin within 24 hours. Watch for heavy panting, shivering, pacing, vigorous nesting, refusal of food & occasionally a little vomiting. These signs usually indicate impending labor & are a result of her feeling the beginnings of contractions. It's not uncommon for her to not have her usual interest in food at this point in her pregnancy -- look for a total lack of interest in food & the other signs mentioned. It could be her temp is only just beginning to drop which is why it's important to take it several times daily in hopes of catching it when it does. It usually doesn't stay low for very long so sometimes the drop in temp will pass before it's noticed. It sounds as if you don't have too much longer to wait so I'd have your supplies ready & keep a close eye on her. Wish you the best of luck!