PUPPIES !!

I would just like to open with once again thanking all of you that responded to my questions during our first experience whelping puppies. Also my utmost respect goes out to all of you professional breeders, for this is HARD WORK your experience and knowledge is priceless!
Kasey’s first litter was far from perfect. The actual delivery took eight hours to birth all 6 puppies, two of which I had to assist her in for they became stuck in the birth canal and she could not deliver them. I was so nervous that I would do something wrong or hurt the puppies but it became very serious very fast. All I could think about was Ed’s comments in the video that inexperienced breeders get to excited and can pull off the little legs etc... I swear I have aged 10 years because of those two (now healthy) puppies.
The next problem we had was Kasey would get so excited when the puppy was entering the world that she would immediately began chewing the umbilical cord before the placenta had a chance to exit. I think what may have happened was the effort or strain to bend back there like that and as soon as she was relieved that the puppy was safe she would clamp down and she actually retained the placenta. We waited for the next birth to see if it would expel but it did not. Now I am worried sick because I had no oxytocin and we were finished with the delivery.
All the puppies seem to be OK and mom was doing a great job with cleaning and feeding so at five AM we went to bed. The following morning all seemed OK and we watched her all day to see if this placenta would pass but we did not see anything. Drainage was moderate but nothing that you wouldn’t expect after birthing six puppies. Then in the middle of the night I heard her leave the whelping box and when I got there she was in major distress needing to go outside. I tried to follow her but she was like a rocket heading for the woods so I returned to the box and found a fair amount of discharge and began cleaning it up. Before I could finish she was back at the door wanting inside. This I believe was when she past that missing placenta. But without actually seeing it you’re always in question. Cleaned her up and went back to bed. Started monitoring her temp again and became concerned because it was @ 103.0.
Called the vet and got a shot of oxytocin but we never did see any contraction that expelled any afterbirth.
Since then we have just keep her hydrated, clean and remain vigilant on taking her temperature. So far the average yesterday was around 102.7, a couple of times it hit 103.0 and as for today it’s holding around 102.2. So I believe we are OK so far. Her appetite is excellent and I began calcium supplements, puppies are gaining weight and she is turning out to be a great mom.
Amanda
https://picasaweb.google.com/szarmack/4102011?authkey=Gv1sRgCJO-rPvN7oOt4QE#5594704139288394370

Congratulations again on your new litter of puppies!
It sure sounds like you did a great job and I am sure much relieved that all is going so well now.

6 puppies, sounds like a really good number! Can't wait to see the little furry pups! Thanks for the update, wishing you all the very best with the new family!