Protecting Phoebe from Murphy

September 17, 2009

The veterinary clinic that I use is the largest in New Mexico with seven veterinarians. However, the clinic hours are from 8:00 to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday. So, dogs that need a C-Section at night or on the weekend must go to an emergency clinic. My clinic also considers a C-Section as drop-off surgery — they’ll call and tell you the number of puppies and sex. That just doesn’t make me comfortable. So today I called a couple of my serious breeder friends to intercede with their vet. He’s not conveniently located (read 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic), but he’s very good and one of the staff vets is always on call. This weekend “the main man” is on-call. Since we’ll have Doc George, I expect Murphy will go elsewhere and Phoebe will have her puppies on a regular work day.

Anyway, he’s agreed to see us in the morning and then to do the C-Section whenever it’s time. He requires the owner to come into surgery and to help rub puppies. I can take my puppy warming box and my little numbered collars and my little camera. I feel so much better! Phoebe will be so much better.

She’s just hanging out and looking pregnant. Her temperature hasn’t dropped and she’s not doing much digging — just reorganizing the towels I put in her box . . . and eating me out of house and home. No further dog fights. We’re all just waiting!

ps her temp had dropped to 99.6 at 11:30 last night — normal is 101.9. I don’t know that’s enough of a drop to get really excited, but since we’ll be at the vets at 8:00, he can see if it’s time for a C-section.


9 Comments

  1. C-Myste says:

    I’m much relieved.

    Not sure how much you’re going to need those “numbered collars” though.

  2. I juz karnt wayt to see the puppys to see how kyoot they ar. I karnt hav puppys ov my own becorz I got nooterd but I woz kyoot & very littool wen I woz wun

  3. Dawn says:

    Thats great Penni! That was the problem I had here in Minneapolis, so I had asked my girlfirend to whelp Graces litter. However, Grace wasn’t having that so she delivered 5 days early at home! I will see if I can attract Murphy to come spend some time this direction, so Pheobe should be safe.

  4. Kim says:

    Oh I am so happy for you and Phoebe.

  5. Dawn Small says:

    That’s terrific that you have Plan B all prepared. You’re a good scout!

  6. Mandy says:

    That makes me feel better…drop off surgery indeed!

  7. Tavs says:

    I’m so glad you’ll be able to be with her! Drop off surgery for a c-section, huh? I wonder how many people actually go for that. You’re awesome to drive the extra distance and find a vet that will do it with you there.

  8. Lybertygirl says:

    My Vet requires the owners to help as well, my husband got a real education when Kate had her C-Section – he was really intriqued! I drive to the next town for my vet (20 minutes) and he’s well worth it.

  9. Sandy says:

    I’ve got a feeling about today……