very minimal weight gain, with u/s confirmed large litter

Question
QUESTION: First, just let me say thanks for offering your advice freely here, its a good tool, for even an experienced breeder to be able to bounce questions off another.  I have a question about our beloved Rottweiler who is due to whelp approximately now to a week from now. Shes showing wonderful progress in that she nests, keeps herself very clean and tidy on the business end of things, and her daily temps have been stable at 100.2 to 102.0. My largest concern here is her lack of weight gain. She truly hasnt gained more than 6 lbs during her pregnancy. Pups were confirmed on Janurary 22nd via ultrasound. We clearly see at least 8 pups, possibly 10 to 12 pups. With a litter that large, I would expect more weight gain. I'm pleased to say she was in peak physical condition before being bred, and has always been a well muscled active girl. She's fed a high quality kibble, as well as eggs ( cooked) with her breakfast, and a reasonable amount of human dinner food. Shes certainly not overweight or underweight for her stature. Im following the line of thinking that because it is a larger litter, and her first go at motherhood, I expect the pups to be on the smaller range of birth weight for her breed. Shouls I be overly concerned about not seeing a more substantial gain in her weight? Our vet doesnt seem to be concerned with her lack of gain, but I'm her human, and I certainly am. I"ve been breeding dogs successfully for 12 yrs, and haven't encountered a dam who didnt gain. Your insight here is much appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Amy

Some females can "live off the fat of the land" and some put on the real weight a week to 10 days prior to whelp, remember that the bones don't calcify until after day 50.  So she may "explode" weight-wise shortly.

I wouldn't be too concerned just yet.  However that being said, if she was my female, I would do an x-ray to confirm that she hasn't absorbed the litter.  

And after she's whelped, she may be very skinny and you'll want to put her on a quality puppy food AFTER they are born.

Good luck

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QUESTION: just a quick thank you, and follow up. Our vet claims because she is a well muscled dog, she may not show much, and I will most likely be unable to palpate whelps. Which I cannot. That being said, is resorbtion an issue after the mid mark in gestation? I would have expected to see some type of discharge or sign of a resorption??  She is currently overdue by my math, I had her due on or around the 13th of this month. Here is is the 18th and Im getting overly nervous. I do understand that mother natures timing, and my determined due date could be off, as she was not progesterone tested prior to mating, as we also own our stud and they are free breeding. So allowing for a plus or minus 7 day window, I technically have until the 20th before I should worry. Its just a very atypical pregnancy in my opinion. vet doesnt seem to be pushing for an xray, he prefers to take the wait it out as long as she isnt exhibiting any signs or illness, which she is not. I still think I'm going to opt for an xray tommorow and we will hopefully see where we are at with this confounding girl of mine! Again, thanks so much. I appreciate your insight!

ANSWER: Re-absorption can happen up to 24 hours prior to whelp.  There may be a bit of discharge, but not much.  I have personally seen everything from spots, light leak to one quick discharge of fluids and minimal blood.  

Muscle weighs more than fat, so if she lost some muscle mass that would explain the low weight gain. That being said, I agree with you opting for the x-ray.  It takes the guess work right out of the equation and you have solid answers immediately.  

Good luck keep me posted.




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

QUESTION: Just to follow up today. We had another ultrasound done, and she has resorbed the entire litter. We're heartbroken, but relieved that our dam seems to not have suffered any ill effects. No sign of infection at all, no temp. and no pus visible in the uterus.  Excluding brucellosis, sire was tested and dam was a maiden, can you think of any reasonable cause? My vet seems entirely baffled, as am I. This is a winning champion dam, and I'd like to know that its safe to breed her again after two cycles. Again, thank you. Wonderful service!

Answer
You know sometimes sh*t happens. No reason and no explanation. I know that's not what you want to hear but there you have it.

Could be she has a bit more testosterone in her system, especially if she's buff.

I would recommend before breeding her next heat, give her a week of a low dose antibiotic. Just before she is due to come into heat.  This will clean her out and start you off on the right foot.

Good luck