Questions about x-raying a pregnant dog

[NicoleLJ]

On the 2nd of July Sheena is scheduled to get her x-rays done to determine litter size. The vet told hubby that sometimes the bitch has to be put under during the x-ray. I would prefer that Sheena wasn't. I don't think it would be very good for her or the pups. So here is my questions.

Is there a way that I can train her to stay in the postition they need for the x-ray? What postitions will she need to be able to be in for this x-ray?

Sheena is very easy to train and with teh right advice I think I could train her to stay in teh postitions they need if I just knew what those were. I want to make this as easy on her and as little stress as possible for her.
Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

[Catlady711]

Particularly for a pregnant xray it's very important that the dog be absolutely still otherwise the xray will be blurred and they can't count puppies very effectively. Some of the positions necessary for an xray can be very uncomfortable for the dog. Because of both of those reasons some dogs need to be sedated some.

If you have concerns about your dog being sedated while pregnant, talk to your vet. Part of their job is to help you understand what they are doing with your pet and why. I'm sure your vet would not mind one bit to discuss any concerns with him/her so that you have full confidence in them and know what your pet will experience.

BTW here's an xray I found online of a pregnant dog. Thought you might want to see what it would look like.

pregnant dog xray

[Karen]

If Sheena is good at "stay" perhaps you could have her lie on her side and practice "stay" on each side. I'd ask the vet what other positions they'd need her to hold, but she's a smart, trainable girl, and she's used to showing. Is she normally good for the vet?

[NicoleLJ]

She is great for the vet. Sheena has such a good stay that you can put her in any position and tell her to stay and she will. That is why i can get such good photos of her doing strange things. lol
Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

[lizbud]

If determining litter size is the only reason for the xray, then why put
her though it? If it's optional, I would cancel it.

[k9krazee]

If determining litter size is the only reason for the xray, then why put
her though it? If it's optional, I would cancel it.

It's nice to know litter size though so you know how many homes you'll need, but also when she's giving birth you know approximently how many to expect. Its a very beneficial thing, in my opinion.

Nicole, If the vet says that some dogs need to be put under I'm sure its a common practice and can't be too horrible for the mom and pups, if a vet does recommend it from time to time, just my thought. But I'm sure if you can get Sheena to pose for you she'd have little problems at the vet. Micki (who is hyper/cranky beyond belief at the vet) had to have x rays of his back and shoulders a couple years ago and we were informed that he would have to be put under if he didn't cooperate, but to our surprise he did wonderfully.

[NicoleLJ]

If determining litter size is the only reason for the xray, then why put
her though it? If it's optional, I would cancel it.

Litter size is the main reason for the x-ray but another reason is to find out if any pups will end up being too big for her to push out. If they see a pup that looks to be too big and would end up getting stuck or so on then I will opt for her to have a C-section. It can be very dangerous if a pup is too big, both for the mom and the other pups. So that is a very important reason to do it.

I doubt there is much chance of one being too big since the father is not much bigger then she is. But there is always that small chance. So I would rather have the x-ray to ensure that none are too big then to not do it and end up with that happening.
Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

[lizbud]

Litter size is the main reason for the x-ray but another reason is to find out if any pups will end up being too big for her to push out. If they see a pup that looks to be too big and would end up getting stuck or so on then I will opt for her to have a C-section. It can be very dangerous if a pup is too big, both for the mom and the other pups. So that is a very important reason to do it.

Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

Oh, I didn't know that.

[lv4dogs]

Any good or even half way decent vet will not anesthesitize your pregnant dog without fully consulting with you first. The x-rays can be done while they are laying on their back and/or on their side. Most any dog that is bred (has the health, tempermant, etc.. needed to be bred) will be co-operative for this x-ray. Not to mention your vet should jave the knowledge to deal with such an ordeal.
If you or the vet thinks that your dog is not a suitable candidate for such a procedure without the use of anesthesia then unltrasounds are also available. Close to the same cost now-a-days and easier.

And most vets have "pillow molds" in all shapes & sizes to form around your dog so he or she can sit still in that position more comfortably. So little to no training is required. If you feel training is needed focus on the stays & laying still on their sides & backs. You can practice this for all positions if you want just in case they ever need any other treatment done (it's good for training & bonding too).

Congrats on the litter!!! Big time!!!! If I was in the position to take on another dog I would seriously consider one of your pups.