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[paytonsmom]

First of all, hello everyone. I am new to the site but it has been helpful already. My name is Tiffany, I am a 28 year old stay at home mom of 2 daughters, 2 stepsons and my fur baby, Payton =) I stumbled across here while researching information on my Paytons upcoming whelping.
She went into labor last night around 11:30. She hadn't eaten, started nesting, panting and becoming aggressive. She (for the first time ever) snapped at me when I tried to re arrange her blankets. At the same time, she didn't want me out of her sight. She was confused and so was I lol.
I waited up till after 3am and finally drifted off to sleep only to be jolted awake at 6:25am by hubby sitting up in the bed. I looked over into the closet (where the whelping box is) and the 1st pup was already half out. I got beside her just as the pup finished coming. Payton did so great. She busted the sack and chewed the cord. While she worked on getting the placenta out, I grabbed the pup who wasn't moving, making any noise or breathing that I could see. I immediately sucked out the nose and mouth and rubbed hard and fast. In seconds SHE started squirming and sqealing...a girl! 6 whole ounces. In a matter of minutes pup #2 was on it's way. We had an xray and knew we were expecting 2 pups, vet also said we may have trouble with #2 being big so I was scared, especially when Payton stopped pushing....sack busted, pup is hanging out (back feet) and kicking. I grabbed it with a towel and plopped lots of KY on...out HE slid. Pup #2, boy, 5 whole ounces! She again took over and handled the cord. I then tied both pups cords off (didn't know if I still needed to being that she chewed them rather than me cutting them but I figured better safe than sorry, did I do right there?)
Everyone seems to be doing great. Payton calmed down, isn't aggressive anymore but still protective like a good mommy should be She doesn't want to eat or drink however, unless it's from my hand and is panting like she's thirsty..is this a sign of something bad? It could be she just got hot, she just came out of the room..I'm sure for air =)
Sorry this is so long, I'm so excited as a first time whelper (is that a word?) lol and her having her first litter! Thanks for reading, I'll figure this site out eventually and post some pics soon. Best of luck to you all

[Susan123]

Congratulations, It's a great feeling. Sounds like a smooth whelping.

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by paytonsmom

First of all, hello everyone. I am new to the site but it has been helpful already. My name is Tiffany, I am a 28 year old stay at home mom of 2 daughters, 2 stepsons and my fur baby, Payton =) I stumbled across here while researching information on my Paytons upcoming whelping.
She went into labor last night around 11:30. She hadn't eaten, started nesting, panting and becoming aggressive. She (for the first time ever) snapped at me when I tried to re arrange her blankets. At the same time, she didn't want me out of her sight. She was confused and so was I lol.
I waited up till after 3am and finally drifted off to sleep only to be jolted awake at 6:25am by hubby sitting up in the bed. I looked over into the closet (where the whelping box is) and the 1st pup was already half out. I got beside her just as the pup finished coming. Payton did so great. She busted the sack and chewed the cord. While she worked on getting the placenta out, I grabbed the pup who wasn't moving, making any noise or breathing that I could see. I immediately sucked out the nose and mouth and rubbed hard and fast. In seconds SHE started squirming and sqealing...a girl! 6 whole ounces. In a matter of minutes pup #2 was on it's way. We had an xray and knew we were expecting 2 pups, vet also said we may have trouble with #2 being big so I was scared, especially when Payton stopped pushing....sack busted, pup is hanging out (back feet) and kicking. I grabbed it with a towel and plopped lots of KY on...out HE slid. Pup #2, boy, 5 whole ounces! She again took over and handled the cord. I then tied both pups cords off (didn't know if I still needed to being that she chewed them rather than me cutting them but I figured better safe than sorry, did I do right there?)
Everyone seems to be doing great. Payton calmed down, isn't aggressive anymore but still protective like a good mommy should be She doesn't want to eat or drink however, unless it's from my hand and is panting like she's thirsty..is this a sign of something bad? It could be she just got hot, she just came out of the room..I'm sure for air =)
Sorry this is so long, I'm so excited as a first time whelper (is that a word?) lol and her having her first litter! Thanks for reading, I'll figure this site out eventually and post some pics soon. Best of luck to you all

search the old posts for info.. lots of people give nutracal after whelping.. you have to watch for low calcium..

cottage cheese is good for mom.. congrats on healthy pets and a successful whelp.. yay!!!!!

[cesar49]

Eclampsia (Milk Fever or Puerperal Tetany)
Race Foster, DVM
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.


Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening disease caused by low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in dogs and more rarely in cats. The lactating animal is especially susceptible to blood calcium depletion because of lactating. The bodies of some lactating dogs and cats simply cannot keep up with the increased demands for this mineral that they receive from their diet. Please remember that the diet may be fine for these affected individuals, but they lack the ability to quickly shunt calcium to their milk without depleting their own bodies.

Eclampsia is most commonly encountered 1-3 weeks after giving birth, but it can occur anytime, even while pregnant. Litters do not need to be large to cause eclampsia, but usually those bitches producing a lot of milk are at a greater risk, as are dogs of smaller breeds. The puppies themselves are not affected as the mother’s milk appears to be normal during this period.

Signs of eclampsia

Eclampsia is a very serious disorder, but fortunately, the signs are fairly easy to recognize, especially when coupled with the period of lactation. Initially, the affected animal will be restless and nervous. Within a short time, she will walk with a stiff gait and may even wobble or appear disoriented. Eventually, the animal may be unable to walk and exhibit extreme leg rigidity. Body temperature may increase to over 105º F and respiration rates will increase. At this point, death can occur if no treatment is given.

Treatment of eclampsia

If you suspect eclampsia, seek veterinary attention at once and prevent the puppies from nursing for at least 24 hours. Supplement them with a commercial milk replacer. A veterinarian can confirm eclampsia with a blood test to determine blood calcium levels. Eclampsia can be rapidly corrected by your veterinarian through the use of intravenous calcium supplementation. The bitch is monitored carefully for heart rhythm irregularities which can occur.
She will be continued on oral calcium supplements as needed.

If she responds well to treatment, her young can gradually be allowed to nurse.

Prevention of eclampsia

Once a female has had milk fever during a lactation period, there is an excellent chance that it will repeat with future litters if preventative steps are not taken.
Supplementation of dietary calcium does not seem to play a large role in preventing eclampsia. In fact, over-supplementation during pregnancy may actually cause it. All calcium supplements must be in the proper ratio with phosphorus. This ratio should be about 1:1 (i.e., 1 part calcium to 1 part phosphorus). In addition, it has been suggested that dog foods high in soybeans will be high in the plant product phytate. Phytates combine with calcium and can render the calcium unavailable to the bitch’s body, and therefore, make her more susceptible to eclampsia. To remedy the problem, feed diets low in soybean.

In conclusion, it is of great importance for breeders to be able to recognize the signs of eclampsia. If you feel your female is showing these signs, remove the pups to prevent further nursing and seek veterinary assistance at once.






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07-04-2008, 01:50 PM

[yoyo27]

Congradulations and Welcome to YT. You made it in time to brag on your new ones. Now we need pics when you can get them out. Good Luck to you and momma on those new little ones.

[cesar49]

Articles Index/Whelping
Posted 12/18/97

TUMS FOR THE MOMMY


Most of us have at least heard of eclampsia, or "milk fever," a debilitating, sometimes fatal illness that can afflict a bitch anytime from a few days to several weeks after whelping. Eclampsia is caused by a depletion of the nursing dam's calcium supply; but this calcium drain has also been going on throughout pregnancy, while the unborn puppies' teeth and bones were being formed.

Fortunately, the number of bitches that come down with full-blown eclampsia is relatively small (most often dams with large litters); but pre-eclampsia, the phase just before is more common. Its symptoms are:

Unusual nervousness, restlessness, and a wild-eyed expression.
Inability to stay still long enough to nurse the pups.
Constant mouthing or picking up the puppies; moving them around continually; frantic digging in the whelping box.
Pre-eclampsia can usually be remedied quickly by a calcium injection. Sometimes more than one shot is necessary; and it may also be advisable to temporarily remove the pups from their dam and bottle-feed them. But more importantly, pre-eclampsia (and subsequent eclampsia) can be avoided by supplying your bitch with extra calcium for two to three weeks both before and after the whelping.

The good news is that the most easily absorbable form of calcium is contained in the antacid TUMS, which has been around for years. (Remember "TUMS" FOR THE "TUMMY?") Tums still come in tablet form and can be bought over-the-counter at any drugstore. What's more, they are chewable and pleasant-tasting (your bitch will love them.)

One TUMS a day, given during the crucial period before and after whelping, can definitely keep eclampsia away.

Nat LaMar
ANTIC, Christmas 1988

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Copyright © 1997 by ANTA. All rights reserved
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[yorkiesmiles]

Welcome to YT! Sounds like she did a great job. I would make water continually available, and she may not want to get away from the pups much in the next few days. I would bring the water to her often and allow her to eat and drink where she is and just hold the dish for her.

She does need to keep her food intake going and the nutrical may be of great help. If you need to offer her things she won't turn down like chicken or cottage cheese

[paytonsmom]

Thank you all! She and the pups are doing great. I've continued to feed her by hand and bring her water to her. She has gone outside to potty and even came out to "visit" for a while. I'm sooo proud of her!!! (ok, and myself a little) I will definately be watching for signs of eclampsia. She and the pups go to the vet tomorrow morning just to be sure everything is ok.
As for the tums thing...is that something I should give her daily? Is there anything else I can do to prevent anything bad happening to her or the babies? I already love them so much. The stud owners are taking one (don't know which one yet) and I think that will make it all the harder to get rid of the only pup we'll have =( Hubby says no way we're keeping it though...maybe it'll grow on him. I've already picked some little boy names...
I like Hemi or Deisel...I'm such a sap. I can't stress enough how proud I am of Payton, she is such a great mommy!!!

[gardenyorkies]

Originally Posted by paytonsmom

First of all, hello everyone. I am new to the site but it has been helpful already. My name is Tiffany, I am a 28 year old stay at home mom of 2 daughters, 2 stepsons and my fur baby, Payton =) I stumbled across here while researching information on my Paytons upcoming whelping.
She went into labor last night around 11:30. She hadn't eaten, started nesting, panting and becoming aggressive. She (for the first time ever) snapped at me when I tried to re arrange her blankets. At the same time, she didn't want me out of her sight. She was confused and so was I lol.
I waited up till after 3am and finally drifted off to sleep only to be jolted awake at 6:25am by hubby sitting up in the bed. I looked over into the closet (where the whelping box is) and the 1st pup was already half out. I got beside her just as the pup finished coming. Payton did so great. She busted the sack and chewed the cord. While she worked on getting the placenta out, I grabbed the pup who wasn't moving, making any noise or breathing that I could see. I immediately sucked out the nose and mouth and rubbed hard and fast. In seconds SHE started squirming and sqealing...a girl! 6 whole ounces. In a matter of minutes pup #2 was on it's way. We had an xray and knew we were expecting 2 pups, vet also said we may have trouble with #2 being big so I was scared, especially when Payton stopped pushing....sack busted, pup is hanging out (back feet) and kicking. I grabbed it with a towel and plopped lots of KY on...out HE slid. Pup #2, boy, 5 whole ounces! She again took over and handled the cord. I then tied both pups cords off (didn't know if I still needed to being that she chewed them rather than me cutting them but I figured better safe than sorry, did I do right there?)
Everyone seems to be doing great. Payton calmed down, isn't aggressive anymore but still protective like a good mommy should be She doesn't want to eat or drink however, unless it's from my hand and is panting like she's thirsty..is this a sign of something bad? It could be she just got hot, she just came out of the room..I'm sure for air =)
Sorry this is so long, I'm so excited as a first time whelper (is that a word?) lol and her having her first litter! Thanks for reading, I'll figure this site out eventually and post some pics soon. Best of luck to you all

Congratulations!...Your did good!...

The panting is normal and may go on for a few days...Her uterus is contracting while puppies are nursing...It has to shrink back down and it will make her pant...Also while her body is adjusting to making milk she may pant...Make sure you have a heating pad under her whelping box on just one half so Mom can lay on the side without the pad if she needs to...

We always have to offer new Moms food and water while they are in their whelping box with new puppies...Go ahead and hand feed her, she will eventually eat on her own...

Keep Mom and babies in a warm, dry (not humid) quiet place away from other dogs and people so they can rest and she can do her job being a Mom...Good luck with your new litter!

[Tiggerwit]

Ahhh puppies. Congrats and welcome to YT.

[AVERYxo]

Congrats.. glad everything went so well!!