Don't,, it seems more and more I read that breeders don't xray at day 50 even though that is when calcification is supposed to start.....
Maybe they have learned over the years and experience and worry that it's too early for many bitches...
Yes, this is what I'm saying. First even though we may pinpoint ovulation, the actual fertilization doesn't take place until the ova are ready, so waiting until day 60-61 makes so much sense. If the spines aren't calcified, or only beginning to calcify, you see nothing. If any pups are tucked up under the diaphragm in the xray, you probably won't even see the skulls. I've had X-rays that count 7-8 pups and wound up with 12. It's so hard to wait until day 60, but you do have a better picture of what to expect.
Many that are dead and never calcified are probably pups that died and mummified due to a progesterone drop after day 50 or so. With many bitches you have to check progesterone to be sure it stays up toward the end so they carry to term.
OP, stop worrying! Good luck!
