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k. deem · 10-05-2005, 10:58 PM

I recently had a devestating loss of a 2 week old yorkie pup. When whelped, the pup was much smaller then the only other litter mate. 8 oz vs. 12 oz., the pup couldn't nurse, mother pushed pup away and kept licking the pup until 2 hours later the pup was still wet and hypothermic as well as gapping for air. I rescued the pup, warmed and began bottle feeding. the pup spewed milk out his nose. I thickened the formula w/rice cereal, fed houly to two hour intervals @ 1 to 2 ml at each feeding for 2 weeks. The vet never gave me much hope. At 2 weeks the pup had doubled his intake and had regained from 2 oz to 3.5 oz. and his eyes opened. At two weeks I was able to confirm what I suspected, a cleft pallet. The vet strongly suggested tube feeding at this time with the intent of achieving a size appropriate for repair. The first feeding went well. The second feeding ended in tragedy, I believe a broken neck. This pup was handled with utmost care. After speaking with surgeons I work with they agreed that the pup probably had multiple defects such as cleft pallet, cardiac septal defects, and a atlantoaxial instability (neck not securely connected to the head). I have been told this pup should not have survived 2 days let alone 2 weeks and that the broken neck was just a matter of time. Has anyone else out there experienced this? This was the first litter for my dog. I am very hesitant to do this again.

Thank You
Meggie's Mom

10-05-2005, 10:58 PM	#1
k. deem Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: wv Posts: 46	2 week old yorkie dies during tube feeding I recently had a devestating loss of a 2 week old yorkie pup. When whelped, the pup was much smaller then the only other litter mate. 8 oz vs. 12 oz., the pup couldn't nurse, mother pushed pup away and kept licking the pup until 2 hours later the pup was still wet and hypothermic as well as gapping for air. I rescued the pup, warmed and began bottle feeding. the pup spewed milk out his nose. I thickened the formula w/rice cereal, fed houly to two hour intervals @ 1 to 2 ml at each feeding for 2 weeks. The vet never gave me much hope. At 2 weeks the pup had doubled his intake and had regained from 2 oz to 3.5 oz. and his eyes opened. At two weeks I was able to confirm what I suspected, a cleft pallet. The vet strongly suggested tube feeding at this time with the intent of achieving a size appropriate for repair. The first feeding went well. The second feeding ended in tragedy, I believe a broken neck. This pup was handled with utmost care. After speaking with surgeons I work with they agreed that the pup probably had multiple defects such as cleft pallet, cardiac septal defects, and a atlantoaxial instability (neck not securely connected to the head). I have been told this pup should not have survived 2 days let alone 2 weeks and that the broken neck was just a matter of time. Has anyone else out there experienced this? This was the first litter for my dog. I am very hesitant to do this again. Thank You Meggie's Mom