This is really a bad situation. I just read through the thread and I feel so badly for this little girl. She shouldn't be having pups at all.
I don't know what 'advice' to give, but maybe I can give you a little perspective in what you're facing.
From reading the posts, it seems like she is in her last couple of weeks of pregnancy, going by the fact that the vet could see 3 pups. With her weight at 4.1 pounds at this stage, this girl is actually a 3 pounder...an extremely small dog to be having babies. No matter what your vet says, this baby will likely not be able to deliver these pups on her own. A c-section is VERY likely.
Along with that, the pups will be tiny at birth....probably around 2 ounces...maybe smaller. Babies this size have a very difficult time nursing on their own and you should be prepared for around the clock supplementing (which isn't easy). At that tiny size, they have difficulty maintaining body heat and will be very vulnerable for some time. It will take a lot of time and dedication for these babies to make it.
In her last couple of weeks before delivery, the pups will do most of their growing and this drains the dam's nutrients in a big way. She should be closely watched from here on out with an eye out especially for pre-eclampsia.
This girl really needs to be in the hands of an experienced breeder and a good small breed vet. This is a scary situation for even an experienced breeder and I know for certain I wouldn't want to have to deal with something like this. So much can go wrong, not only with the delivery. As I mentioned, the time before and after each have their own risks and it takes an experienced person to be able to recognize the signs of distress in either the dam or the pups.
Apart from the likely costs and the time and dedication involved, this is truly a pregnancy that shouldn't be handled by a novice. Perhaps you should reach out to the rescue people and see what resources they can provide. I know you have an attachment to this girl, but, for her safety and the pups, she needs to be in very capable hands. This is a dangerous situation. |