stray dog pregnant or not

[lisahopland]

I foster dogs for a dog rescue. Recently a man brought me a dog he "found running around his yard for a week". He said he put every effort into finding the owners but couldnt. So, this sweet little brindled mix is now in my care. She looks as though she could possibly be pregnant. She has a swollen vulva, several of her nipples have some mammary tissue, her abdomen is hard, when she lays certain ways her abdomen seems possibly enlarged (however we dont have a comparison). Anyone have any insight? I am sure you can understand that with this being a rescue that is privately funded, we use caution before taking the dogs to the vet, unless of course it is obviously sick or injured. She is scheduled to be spayed next week. So, the other question is if she is pregnant spay and abort pups or have pups then spay.

[lindapalm]

Margot49, my husband tells me if I bring one more animal into the house he's gone. Can't tell you the number of times I've been tempted, but its well into the thousands.

[Margot49]

Good for him!!

I have a sign in my house that says "Lost husband and dog.  Reward for dog".

:-).  I know, I am sooooooo bad.

[lisahopland]

Thank you! Yes my husband is awesome! He cares for the rescues as much as I do. I am so blessed!

[Jerry_NJ]

Congratulations to all, especially the new mom and you...must be your husband is very understanding.

God bless, and Merry Christmas

[Margot49]

Thank goodness for that!!  I never said anything but there are some, especially first timers, that won't care for pups.  Went through that with one of mine once.  Took me two days for her to finally get it!    She wouldn't let them nurse or clean them.  I had to keep them separated and hold her to let them nurse.  I finally started holding up the cotton balls I was cleaning the pups with up to her nose and started rubbing the urine on her legs.  She finally started licking the cotton balls  and her legs then  the pups and would let them nurse.  Little stinker!
Girls rule!!  :-)

[lisahopland]

Indy has been an awesome mom! I thank God for that! Oh and there are two boys and nine girls! That seemed odd to me...oh well girls rock!

[Margot49]

Well, could be more than one sire but probably not.  Who knows what she is for sure or what she bred with.

I'd like to see some head and body shots as they get older and maybe we can guess.

Ah, we can probably rule out Chihuahua?  Lol

[Margot49]

I know!!!  Can't believe how long this got and was waiting for someone to jump on us, that!s why I apologized.  Had this not been a rescue situation, I would not have gone to the trouble.  I am so happy all turned out well!!
10 large breed puppies is going to be no easy task for Lisa to undertake in a few weeks!!  

Well, if this should come up again, at least there is some info now.

Sorry.

[lisahopland]

I know! I am thinking maybe two daddys?? They are all still doing well.

[lindapalm]

What an assortment of different colors!  They are adorable.

[lisahopland]

Yes I have dealt with a litter before, thank God! Oh trust me we are all physically and mentally exhausted! Momma is doing great feeding everyone so far. If she starts having trouble we will alternate the pups around. That was definitely an experience that i never want to have again! I dont know how people do this, definitely not for me. But we made it through and thats what matters!

[Ghilly]

I've been away a while and this was the first thread I saw when I got back.  I am exhausted just from READING it, I can't imagine what the poor OP has been going through!  Ten puppies with a first time young mother is no easy task to undertake!  Best of luck to you, OP!

Ghilly

[Margot49]

Great!  Glad all turned out well.  
What you might do is remove half the litter and let the others nurse then switch them out.  Don't know if you want to go to the trouble but you can weigh them daily on a vegetable scale.
Oh, you took care of a litter before,right?
Is the rescue group going to help you out with workings, shots,metc?

[lisahopland]

I know! We ended up with a vet visit over the weekend but everything was ok. She just said she will have them when she is ready. I had to help..alot. she wasnt sure what to do. After the first two she started doing more. By the last two she just laid there and could barely push. Everyone has nursed and seems to be doing ok.

[Margot49]

What??!!  She is just having them now??  That can't be!!  It sure sounded like she was in pre labor before Thanksgiving!!  
Did she do it on her own or did you help?

[lisahopland]

I uploaded a photo to my profile if any of you are interested to see Indy and her babies!

[lisahopland]

Make that 11! She is exhausted I am exhausted...pups are nursing and she is sleeping. She did get up to drink and had a nibble to eat but we were not able to get her out to potty.

[Margot49]

Finally!!!  10??  Lol!!  Well the Vet was a bit off on that one.  Glad all are doing good.
So, how did the delivery go after all that and when did she have them.  Either post here or PM me.
10 large breed puppies.  Smaller breeds are good for me.  :-). ^5

[lisahopland]

Sorry took me so long to post..indy is proud mom of TEN!!!!!! Everybody is doing well.

[Margot49]

Oh boy.  Unfortunately I m having major stomach problems and may have to go to ER. You may want to give the Vet a call if they are in today.

[lisahopland]

Well no pups. She has been moving around all night. She has times where she pants quite heavily then she will sleep for a bit. I am just completely baffled by this girl! From everything I have read here and books and other websites, she should be nursing her pups by now! Well this girl gonna get some sleep and putting someone else on puppy watch! Lol

[lisahopland]

You have all been so awesome about helping me through this! You are right about the vet, I have received alot more information here than I received from the vet at the ultrasound. I really really hope I can update about pups tomorrow! If not I may take her in just to be safe. Thank you all so much!!!!! I feel like I have known you forever! Lol. Take care will update as soon as there is a change.

[ginger899]

Yes, but great advice, even though you're NOT a vet, you have all that experience -which actually -many vets wouldn't have!

My guess is those pups are a Thanksgiving present! lol

[Margot49]

Meant to add, I am NO Vet, just have years of practical experience.  That is one reason I hesitate advising but try to make sure someone won't hesitate to call a Vet if necessary.