[FlDebra]

The worst that could happen to a new Yorkie mom, did. I lost my sweet Sadie 3 days after she had 5 beautiful puppies. I knew something was not right and tried to tell the vet's office that in several phone calls. They gave me an appointment for Wednesday when I called on Monday. I called back Tuesday morning and said she could not wait another day, they had to see her. My complaints of her being lethargic were met with the explanation of her just having a very large litter and of course she is exhausted. I expressed my worry over the abundant discharge that was brown, green, watery. They said that was normal up to 10 days and unless it was bright red not to worry. Something kept telling me all was not right, even though I could not relate specific symptoms that caught their attention. Still, I knew my girl. They finally agreed to see her after their last appt. that day instead of waiting til my Wednesday appointment. As I was getting her cleaned up and ready to go, she seemed to fade even faster. By the time we got to the vet, she was very sick. I told them that and they said have a seat and we will call you. When Sadie could no longer raise her head in response, I went to the counter crying, "please something is terribly wrong!" Then they brought us back to see the vet. He knew immediately it was bad and took her for an xray and put her in the oxygen chamber. They got IV's started and were getting her prepped for surgery, but she did not make it. She did not retain a pup, but had an infection and had gone toxic very quickly. Vet said she could have retained a small part of the placenta, had a tear in her uterus, or just got an infection during the birthing process. I should have been more agressive to get her seen. I just could not put into words what made me know that all was not well until it was too late. Others saw her Monday and thought she seemed fine. I just had a bad feeling. But it wasn't until Tuesday afternoon that she really showed how sick she was.

I feel horrible about this. But I have little time to mourn as these 5 puppies need a LOT of care. I am bottle feeding them and that seems to be going well so far. They were 5 days old today and are acting very healthy, eating well, peeing and pooping with just a little rubbing with a cotton ball and sleeping 3 hours at a whack. I have a clip-on lamp with a 100 watt bulb above them for extra warmth. They all had their tails docked and dew claws removed this morning and that went smoothly too. I think they are about on track for the recommended feeding of 1 cc per oz. of body weight, every 3 hours for now. Weights this morning were 2.5, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 4.0.

Anyone with first hand experience raising a litter from 3 days old?

How do the puppies do as they are grown, emotionally, personality, etc.? I know I can substitute for feeding and stimulating the waste but how does the loss of mom show in their psychology?

Any and all advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!