pregnant Shih-tzu.

Question
QUESTION: Hi there Joyce,
I just wanted some advice. I have previously spoken to Renee earlier on in my dogs pregnancy but she is away at present. My Shih-tzu is 53 days pregnant. I took her to the vets on her 42nd day and they confirmed via an ultrasound that they could see at least one puppy, but under their policy they would not say how many. I got in touch with Renee cause the vet said that they can re-absorb pups up until the end and therefore it may end in no pups atall. I was a bit worried that the vet had seen something that made her think that the pregnancy wouldn't end up with puppies, but Renee just reassured me that they were probably just letting me know that it does happen. Anyway sorry to bore you but now that I have filled you all in I just wanted some advice. Honey (my shihtzu baby) is 20 months old and was mated with my moms shihtzu by accident whilst I was away on holiday. All seems to be fine but for about the last 10 days she has really gone off her food, she is still eating but not double like some websites suggest she should be. I have changed her to the nature diet puppy so she is getting more protein but she just picks at it. Is this normal or should I take her back to the vets? She is fine in herself but I am worried that she and the pups are not getting enough nutrients.  Should I try her on some human protein eg, eggs, meat etc..
If the pups had re-absorbed would there be tell tale signs or does she still act pregnant. Her nipples don't seem to be any bigger yet so this is another concern.
Sorry if I seem like I'm over reacting but she is like one of my children and I just want the best for her and her pups.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
many thanks in advance.

ANSWER: Hi Samantha

I never recommend puppy food until after the pups are whelped, only because it is higher in protein and fats and make for larger pups.  Which in turn, can cause complications in whelp.   Best to keep her on her regular kibble until after whelping. You can certainly entice her with some foods (raw organ meats or cooked chicken) but you don't want a fussy eater either.  Puppy food supplemented with vitamins and oils after the pup is born is an excellent idea.

To ease your mind, you can do x-rays after 50 days (so any time).  X-rays show bones, so you will get a better idea what to expect and where the pups are located in utero.  It will also give you some peace of mind.  If there is only one pup and it's positioned "breech" it will be harder for her to whelp the pup and you can discuss other options like a c-section with your vet.

Good luck

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

QUESTION: Hi Joyce, Thanks for all your help. I just needed a bit more advice! Honey hasn't been slowing down she is still quite active in the day but does sleep a little more at night. She is 56days pregnant tomorrow (05.09.2009) I have just taken her rectal temp for the 1st time and it read at 37.5c I thought it would be higher than this. does this means she is close to whelp as she is only 56days and hasn't showed any classic signs eg scratching, nesting, panting. If she would have the pups now would they survive as I thought they couldn't if born before 58days?

Your advice is much appreciated again, thanks.

Answer
Remember that gestation is 63 days from when the eggs get fertilized NOT necessarily from when she was mated.

A females temperature can fluctuate from everything from laying in the sun to having a drink of water.  So it's expected that her temperature goes up and down during the days.

Patience is the name of the game. Waiting is the hardest but most rewarding.

Good luck