I think I read that the mi=outh has been checked and no cleft is found. If that is the case, your puppy does NOT have the strength to form a seal and suckle so you need to supplement ASAP. When the puppy has enough strength, and if everything is okay, it will suckle.
I have never had luck with the bottles but many people do. The article in the current YTTM says that the holes in the nipple are sometimes too big and the puppy aspirates. On the other hand, if it is too small, it will not have strength to get formula out. So, work with it. YOUR VET should help you learn how to tube-feed the baby to help it get nourishment. YOU MUST KEEP THE BABY'S TEMP IN THE HIGH NINETIES or it will chill and die. Always pee and poop the baby with a cotton ball in warm water if the mom is not doing it..If mom is not licking the baby put a wee bit of NutriStat or NutriCal on the puppy and mom will lick it off. I have not read the post about the number of babies you have but Julz is right. ya gotta keep the other dogs away from that mom. If she stresses you could lose ALL of the puppies and it is not unheard of to lose the mom too..
So, relax, feed the baby, keep it warm..BTW, 1-2 mls of formula every 2 hours day AND night just like mom would do..
Best of luck and let us know if we can help.. |