Re: Is my JRT experiencing a phantom pregnancy??

Posted by: Linda Cranford
Posted on: November 29, 2001 at 09:16:46

In Reply to: Is my JRT experiencing a phantom pregnancy??
Posted by: Kerry Iturbe
Posted on: November 29, 2001 at 08:30:59

Question:

: The last date that my jrt was bred was on September 28th. A tie was acheived. She's progressed as if she were pregnant. When I took her to the vet for her first examination he said no pups, but come back in 2 weeks to let him have another feel. He wasn't absolutely sure the first time. I took her back in 2 weeks and after a lot of feeling, he said maybe ONE up high and centered. Today is her due date. She's producing milk, has a clear discharge, was shivering yesterday, etc. The only thing that I find distressing is her lack of belly. She has no noticable pregnant belly. Her tummy is saggy and her nipples are large, but no belly. It almost looks as if she's already had puppies. Could this be the most convincing false pregnancy ever? All is set up as if she is going to have puppies. I'm ready for anything (or in this case, nothing.). Could it be that she'll just have one? I know this is unusual. Any comment would be appreciated.

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Hi Kerry,
Boy, this is hard to tell since I can't see her. She possibably could have absorbed them during the pregnancy, but only your Vet can tell by doing a radiograph on her to see if there is a puppy or puppies in her. This is only her 61st day since the 28th of September and the gestation period for Canines is from 57 to 65 days. You also have to remember that these guys haven't read the reproduction books that we have so basically anything goes when it comes to whelping and due dates. Actually it isn't unusual to have just one puppy it happens in all breeds of dogs.

Personally if she were mine, I would be on the way to the Vet to have x-rays done to make sure everthing is OK and if there is a puppy in there. I leave nothing to chance when it comes to whelping, even after almost 17 years of breeding Jack Russells.
Please let us know what happens with your girl, I will be praying for both you and her!!
Regards
Linda