Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I really need some advice concerning my sweet baby girl Belle.
I have a female Chi. On August 5, 2005, my baby will be 4 yrs old.
Unfortunately, I think she maybe pregnant. Her last heat cycle was at the beginning of April. This is not her first heat so therefore, I knew what to expect from her. Atleast, I thought I knew. We live on an acre and a half so, I really don't worry about her when she goes out to potty. Boy, was I wrong. On 3 occasions, April 6th, 7th and 8th my baby girl, at night for her last potty run, went missing in action. Needless to say, I went ballistic. On all 3 nites, I could not see the boy dog that had been camping out behind my house. After the 3rd nite my husband called out neighbors one street over and asked them to lock up there dog. Which they did! Unfortunately, I think it maybe have been too late.

This dog is a rat terrier approximately 8 lbs. I will take her to the vet in the AM, but I needed someone elses advice besides my vet.

I do trust him tremendously, but I want to be able to make an informed decision concerning the well being of Belle. I don't mean to sound selfish but I don't think that I could go through losing her right now. Someone told me that the vet will not abort the puppies even if I wanted him to!

I guess you are wondering why I haven't had her spayed, My daughter in law got a female chi puppy a few months after I did and her chi died in surgery and I guess I was just too scared. Stupid reason but the truth.

Any helpful information or anything will be greatly appreciated.

I would be happy to send photos of before and after if someone can tell me how to do it.

Thanks for your help
Worried in Louisiana

in 8th grade,I jobshadowed a vet,he spayed a cat who was close to giving birth,so there might not be as much of an issue as you think(or,you can simply find another vet,I live near the Tx/La border,so attatudes here are pretty much the same there)if you have a showdog,or have any other reasons not to fix her,it may be more complicated,there's pennyroyal and severel roots and herbs people have used,but on a small dog,I doubt it would be safe,now would be a good time to vet-shop,even for a range of opinions,your dog may be able to carry to term if the litter is small(hey,severel rescue dogs have had luck)but there's still a risk of needing a c-section

I suggest getting her fixed,the longer you wait,the harder it is on the vet and dog

Thanks for the advice. I just want to make an informed decision for what is best for Belle, not for myself.