Litter was born this am, 4 in the litter ranging from 3-4 ounces and one is 2 ounces. This little girl is not latching on at all that I can tell. I have tried to look at the palate but being so small it almost impossible to see in there. She has a strong cry and gets right up with the other 3. I put her on the nipple and push it in gently and she attempts to nurse but no suction at all. While trying to nurse she cries and pushes with her nose. So I have been tube feeding her today and will overnight. I will take her to the vet in the am.
My question is for the experienced breeders. If she has cleft palate would you attempt to save this pup? Or would it be more humane to put her down?
I have had 3 cleft pups in 10 years and 1 survived but has issues with drinking water and it needs to be thickened the other 2 got pneumonia and died at 5 days or so. Worse part is this one has a very strong will to nurse and mom is very attentive to her....
