[YorkieRose]

It is all guess work on my part...I have had a few bitches go over their due date...and decided on an exam..it did not bring on labor. The release of hormones starts contractions...although a bitch can abort a litter early, for many reasons, injury, infection, etc.

If Bell had not have the green discharge, I would say it was possible the examine caused labor to start, but something was brewing. A tough call.

I tube feed my puppies...but have used the bottle, don't care for a dropper.. Go by the amount guide as to the correct amount for weight per pup. Most pups start gaining at the second day...I have had some not gain anything for a week, then start to thrive..It sounds like the two are doing well for the early start they got...you have nothing to feel guilty about. Bell is a strong, healthy girl, not overbred or too old..these things happen to everyone if they do it along enough.

I have had pups born at 1 oz. survive and pups born at 5 oz. die..there really is no predicting by size IMO...of course, the bigger an fatter ones give us less cause to worry. Becca and her sister were extremely tiny at birth and full term..both are over a year and well.

PS..check her palate.