Sorry for the long gap in updates, but this is the first time I've really had any time to post. We've been working really hard to keep everyone going.
All the puppies were getting dehydrated, and having troubles with keeping a reasonable temperature. At this young age the puppies are not developed enough to regulate their own temperatures, so we need to be extra careful that they are not too hot or too cold. They have been nursing, but just were not getting enough down, particularly some of the smaller ones.
Brown puppy in particular was having a hard time. His temperature had dropped quite a bit, and he wouldn't even try to nurse, so off to the vet we went. At the clinic they took his temperature and he wasn't even registering on their thermometer. Brown was put on fluids, tube feedings, and antibiotics. For the rest of the puppies I was given a back of fluids to give subcutaneously (under the skin) once every 12 hours. I also took home some antibiotics for anyone who seemed to be weaker or failing.
Back at home we took everyone's temperature, measured their weights, and gave sub-cu fluids. Everyone had lost a fair bit of weight, more than would be considered normal at this stage. All the puppies needed the fluids badly as they were clearly quite dehydrated.. Only one puppy, Blue, seemed to need antibiotics thank goodness. Then fresh hot water bottles and comfy towels later, they were settled to sleep.
At noon today we did a second weight check. Most of the puppies had maintained their weights, but two had actually dropped a bit more. The two puppies I'd been putting extra care into due to their poor nursing skills, Peach and Yellow, had actually gained, which was nice to see. But overall, I was really concerned. So off to the vet again for a check-up and some advice.
At the vet's the puppies were doing well, other than the evidence that they were not getting enough into them. So, the vet showed me how to to tube feed puppies, and send us home with what we needed to do the job. Fortunately Brown was doing quite well and was ok'd to come back home with us.
I've only given one feeding since we've been back, but I have some good news to report. Renee's milk is finally in! Three of the puppies who nursed off her back teats had such full tummies I didn't even have to tube them. The rest got some of Renee's milk, and were tubed enough to fill their tummies.
That's it for now. Feeding is MUCH faster with tubing so hopefully I can catch up on a bit of sleep... More photos and updates later - after I'm better rested ;)
The Parents
Sire: CDN Ch Aotearoa Suro Whakaheke Dam: CDN Ch Freehold Oldline Renee
This sounds more hopeful, Lydia. You don't mention it, but I hope Renee is is less pain now. That she is nursing and tending to her babies is another good sign. Meantime, yes, YOU
ReplyDeleteget some sleep, and lots of luck. --Roberta
Yes, Renee is feeling much better. She's still sore, but she's walking reasonably normally, and goes in and out to do her business without difficulty. She even gets up and down to get more comfy on her whelping bed.
ReplyDeleteHopefully I will be getting at least 4 hours of sleep tonight, maybe even 6 hours! lol My mom gets the first shift, then will wake me when she can't last any longer.
I am so sorry to hear of Renee's ordeal but she sounds like a wonderful girl and we send our prayers for her recovery..We know to well the heartache of bloat loosing our dane at 4 1/2, 11 yrs ago.. Your puppies look beautiful and I'm sure with all your love everyone is on the right road to recovery.. We will follow your Blog and look forward to future updates..The Foster Family
ReplyDeleteThanks :) Bloat is a deadly thing, and these giant breeds with large chests tend to be more prone to it. We think that it was actually caused by the weight of all those puppies in there, maybe twisted around by the way Renee moved or something. I'm just really thankful that we didn't lose her. I keep hearing all the horror stories after the fact.
ReplyDelete