The ultrasound examine is now scheduled for Tuesday March 7th at 6:30pm. I think the wait is harder on me than Tink right now. I’ve been reading about how to feel for puppies. If I lightly feel on either side of her incision I can make out several lumps, like a string of pearls. I counted about five or six distinct bumps. Maybe this is just hopeful thinking on my part.
…P
Tink’s stitches, from the AI, were removed today. Last Tuesday the Vet had opted to delay removal until Saturday so the swelling around the incision could subside. I have been surprised that Tink has not scratching or licked the area very much. I had visions of her pulling the sutures out on her own. She does not seem to be bothered by the surgery. Last Sunday I did noticed a bump on her leg. I called Dr. Elam and he guessed it was a bruised vein from the several blood draws. After daily heat compress it is now almost gone.
Tink seems more mellow these days. Her possium toy has lasted much longer than any previous one. She’s not tearing the guts out to get to the squeaker. She is sleeping more and eating everything in sight. Her weight is holding steady at 55 lbs for now.
…P
I have posted a new video clip on the “Breeding” page of Ferro from the International Dog Show in Tallinn, Estonia. Handled by Ulla, Ferro took a Group 3 Placement and earned his Championship Title. Congats to Ferro and Ulla from across the pond!
…P
Tink seems to doing just fine after the AI. Her coat is quickly growing back over the shaven area of her belly. The next milestone dates to look forward to are:
February 14 – Remove stitches
March 7 – Ultrasound exam to confirm pregnancy
April 4 – X-Ray to determine number of puppies
April 8 – Estimated whelping date
…P
Tink’s now home and seems fine after the AI. The image shown here was captured from the webcam on Thursday, 2/9. Clearly visible is the area shaven for the surgery and if you look closely the five stitches are also noticeable.
…P
Dr. Elam performed the AI on Tink, late last night. She is doing fine and I plan to bring her home Wednesday. After a little scare, in which her progesterone level dropped slightly with Saturday’s sample, the levels increased dramatically to 10.7 ng/ml with Mondays blood sample. Dr Elam estimates she ovulated on Sunday. Now, if everything goes well, puppies will be expected around April 8th. We will confirm a successful breeding around February 28th with an ultrasond examine.
…Peter
On Saturday, 2/4/06, I drove Tink to Dr. Elam’s Animal Hospital. We’ve tested her progesterone levels three time and it appear she ovulated on Fri evening. Her prime breeding window is Sunday Evening until Tuesday Evening. She will be artificially inseminated on Monday morning. I will pick her up and bring her home on Tuesday.
…P