Small Puppy

[Beckyboo]

Hi all,

this is the first time I have posted and hope you don't mind me starting with a few of questions.

We have a litter of puppies now 15 days old, one of the girls is very small, she is feeding well and gaining weight but slower gaining than the rest, she seems very content and does enjoy her feeds, the problem is she breaths quite fast and heavy as if putting effort in, she is quite flat on the chest and in the center of her chest it sinks right in when she’s breathing, her eyes are still closed too.

I’m watching her round the clock but with the others been so much bigger and stronger I feel my heart is breaking daily, do any of you have experience in this and the possible causes, she has been on a full course of antibiotics but no difference.

The others are weighing in at around 8-900g and our little pea is only 436g
Thanks for reading.

 

[bullmama]

Sounds like possible swimmer puppy syndrome, do you have them on a very lumpy bedding? If it's swimmer you will need to work fast to rectify it , first being not allowing her to lay flat. You can build a corral with two walls that will keep legs and arms under her, not allowing her to in a flat position. All bedding should be very lumpy, with hills and dips. This helps build muscles and prevents swimmer puppy.


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[Pati Robins]

Some of breeders use rolled up socks and put them under the bedding for the "lumpiness"
I would also suggest maybe giving the weakest pup a go on all the boobs to get the richest milk first before other pups

 

[Beckyboo]

Thank you and yes always the first feeder, when shes done i clean her and pop her back on so she gets the most out of feeds, will make a start and do all of the above, thank you so much x

 

[Beckyboo]

This is my little princess, bless her x
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[Pati Robins]

This is my little princess, bless her x
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Shes a beauty hun xx maybe shes falling asleep while feeding ? Have you tried to feed her on a rc puppy milk in between feeds

 

[Beckyboo]

Oh i do love her, just hope she makes it, really tough watching her breathing, i have been feeding all pups every hour and a half to make sure they get enough.
God its tough going and im exhausted but worth it.

Thank you xxx
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[Beckyboo]

 

[bullmama]

Oh i do love her, just hope she makes it, really tough watching her breathing, i have been feeding all pups every hour and a half to make sure they get enough.
God its tough going and im exhausted but worth it.

Thank you xxx
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Do you have a mobile vet that can come assess her? Rapid breath is not a good sign, she is still eating without problems?

three tests to see if pup is fading: roll on back and if they do not try to resist or roll back over and just lay there this is a bad sign. They should at least struggle for a moment, instinctually.

Look into the mouth of this pup and one of the other pups, compare tongue and gum color, should be nice and pink. Fading or purplish means not enough oxygen. Also test syliva, should not be tacky.

Pinch the skin on the back of the neck , it should fall down quickly. If it stands the pup is dehydrated and not getting enough milk and fluids.


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[Beckyboo]

Yes if shes on her back she kicks up a fuss, strong latch when feeding and colour fine, the vet said she might not make it and said her breathing was caused by the flat chest...she never cries.

I really don't know what to do for the best, in keeping her off her chest on her side and feeding her on side too.
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[bullmama]

Yes if shes on her back she kicks up a fuss, strong latch when feeding and colour fine, the vet said she might not make it and said her breathing was caused by the flat chest...she never cries.

I really don't know what to do for the best, in keeping her off her chest on her side and feeding her on side too.
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All good signs. Do her legs splay out?


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[Beckyboo]

No that's what has confused me with a swimmer, her back legs are like hooks, had this before from them been cramped up and they corrected, hers are getting better with the gentle exercises im doing.

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[schimpfy]

Wishing you the best sounds like she is a fighter and will make all the effort worth while

 

[Beckyboo]

Awww thank you so much, she is a fighter that's for sure xx
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[foxy131]

I don't have any advice, but just wanted to let you know she's beautiful and sending some prayers her way.


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