Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: when to x-ray >I have never exrayed a bitch in whelp unless I have a question in my mind as >to >whether she really has any pups. My vet is always right so it is really a >waste of my >money > I do not take my bitches places once they are bred - And I particularly avoid > a vets > office. I figure I will know how many she has when she whelps.> > sally ********************************** I totally agree Sally. We never X ray or do Ultra Sounds unless we suspect a problem or a single puppy litter. We just keep Mama home and watch her carefully and we are content to watch and "know" ourselves. Again....unless we suspect a problem with just a one puppy litter. The neatest way that I have used to detect the number of puppies is with a stethoscope. Lay the bitch down on her side a few times while you listen to her stomach "sounds". Takes a few times to get used to the gurgles and digestive sounds in a gut. Once you are used to that.....begin to slowly move the stethoscope about 2 inches at a time and quietly "listen". Soon you will hear the INCREDIBLY RAPID heartbeat of a puppy!!! It is truly an amazing sound. Then slowly move the stethoscope another two inches and quietly "listen". Doing this very carefully you can literally COUNT the number of heartbeats. Haven't figured out how to determine males and females yet though.....<G> Then turn the bitch over to lay on her other side......and start all over again. You can learn to call it EXACTLY. The bitch loves the quiet interaction and you will love the sound of the heartbeats. Carolyn marhaven@xxxxxxx www.marhaven.com ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================