Seriously! This is not my best angle! Around day 50 , the puppies’ skeletons are now fully ossified and continue to strengthen each day. By this stage, their major organs have formed, and they’re beginning to look like tiny, perfectly formed puppies. Their bones are becoming more defined, and their size continues to increase quickly. Fiona’s abdomen is now noticeably enlarged , and her nipples have become more prominent as her body prepares for nursing. She’s enjoying three meals a day and seems quite pleased about it — although she appears a little puzzled about her growing belly! We often catch her glancing back at her rear end as if wondering why she’s gaining so much weight. This being her first litter , her curiosity is understandable. Her abdomen now measures approximately 33 inches (83.82 cm) , and it seems to expand a little more each day. Next Saturday , Fiona will have an x-ray to determine how many puppies she’...
Fiona and Dutch Puppies! The puppies’ growth is now progressing rapidly! We’ve entered the final third of Fiona’s pregnancy — a phase when the puppies will gain about three-quarters of their total birth weight. Their first skeletal structures are already ossified, meaning they can now be seen on x-rays. Amnion: The amnion is the innermost membrane that completely surrounds each embryo. The fetus rests safely within it, cushioned and protected from external influences — much like floating in a gentle waterbed. This fluid environment allows the puppies to move freely, which is vital for healthy muscle and joint development. The amniotic fluid is also swallowed and digested repeatedly by the fetus, helping the digestive system mature. Yolk Sac: Unlike in birds, the canine yolk sac doesn’t contain nutrients, only a clear serous fluid. However, a temporary yolk sac placenta forms, allowing contact with the uterus and contributing to the puppies’ early nourishment. The yolk...