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Originally Posted by Woogie Man  Hopefully Cinnamon comes through this okay and that any surviving babies are strong enough to fight.
You will be extremely busy with the care of these babies. They will need around the clock care with no letup. I can't stress enough about keeping them very warm. Also the feeding must be done around the clock.
Tube feeding has its advantages but has drawbacks too. Another option is to use an eyedropper. This works well but is slow. If the babies are too weak to suckle, the eyedropper or tube feeding will be your only options. Bottle feeding won't work. The main point to remember is to not over-feed with either method or feed too fast (if using an eye dropper). Formula could get into the lungs with either method. As I mentioned earlier, it may be best to cut the feeding amount down but feed more often. A too full belly can cause aspiration and the digestive system is delicate, too.
So much depends on the condition of the babies, but they are premature and it's safe to say they will need intensive care. Hopefully Cinnamon is well enough so that you can focus on the babies, but of course, she can't be ignored. You will have your hands full, even if there's only one survivor.
Also, make sure the babies don't get chilled during their transport home. Keep the car very warm and you can put them in a box (or even a small ice chest) with some towels warmed in the dryer. If the vet has a microwave, you could re-warm the towels before leaving the office. Have the room they'll be in pre-heated and the heating pad in place and warmed up. Warmth and proper feeding will be key to them making it.
Prayers for Cinnamon and babies. |
Great advice Jim.
My repro vet provided me with large bags of solution that could be heated in the micro wave.....they worked great.....
Aspiration is something I always worry about. Eyedropper feeding is a good way to prevent a pup from aspirating. I graduated to syringes with a nipple attached. It gave me control on the amount of milk I pushed to the nipple, less air being swallowed by the pup....and of course due to the cc/ml on the syringe I could monitor the intake of milk.
By the way.....not to steal this thread....pictures of Junior are in order.