Need advice about mom???

[Marlee]

Ok, so the roller coaster has not ended yet. I am sucessfully taking care of the 5 babies, most do very well with feeding from a bottle, one sometimes doesnt want to but comes around after I chase his head all over. I tend to give one baby to mom while I am feeding, diffrent baby each time, so she can care for them as well, but not get sick. However I take baby away after 15-20 minutes. Mom is so sad, she sits outside the pen and whines and tries to lick them through it, and last night she found a toy and started trying to care for it. Should I let her, should I stop her. Should I just force her to dry out? I am so unsure, I am being ultra careful as to not have her drop off calcium again, I give her extra chew tabs and tums if she will eat them, just to keep her level and safe. Yet I wonder if I should quit her all together and take away her "new" baby? I want more than anything her to be ok, I figure this will be a continuing problem if she gets a chance with all of them so I avoid that at all cost. Do you think it is ok, to let mom nurse one pup per feeding? just some advice would be great...thanks again in advance

Brandi

[topknot]

If you need to keep the pups off of her at times - during those time you could put on pajamas/onees so the pups cannot nurse, but she can comfort them, clean them, and lay with them. I believe that if she can handle it - the pups need as much milk as mom can give them. It really depends on her condition and the pups. Have you asked your vet yet? If he/she knows a lot about this and see them - he will probably be the best to advice you. We can guess, but since we cannot see her condition or the pups - I would hate to advise you.Best thing to do is keep a check on her temperature twice daily. It should stay below 102 and check her legs (make sure they do not shake).
T.

[Marlee]

I have talked to them and they encouraged me to try with one baby per feeding. Although this ,morning after the last round she was jittery agian ( no panting, or hig fever). Her temp is fine, siting about 101.2 and I am shoving as much calcium down her thraot as possible. I am just begining to think her body cant even handle one puppy right now. They are out of the office today, although I did leave a message with my vet to call me asap. The er here has odd hours as well this weekend.

I think she ( Bridget) is ok, she is not showing the signs she did the last two times she seriously crashed, but the jitters I think is the first thing to notice.
The babies look great they are eating well and gaining, I am feeding every 2.5- 3 hours now, as they demand it. I on the other hand am hardly sleeping at all. I was hoping Bridget would pull through, but I don't think so. So odd to she did great her first litter, but they said with her onset being this bad, she is very likely to do this in the future, so I will be spaying her as soon as this is finished. Really sad to her babies are some of the prettest here by far, and have great features. One was sent to live in Russia last time with my brothers mother in law ( she flew here to get him) OMG!!! I wish I had kept him for show, he is so amazing! Great top line and everything. I am so sad, but do not want to risk her health, had I known this would have happened I do not think I would have breed her again.

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by topknot

If you need to keep the pups off of her at times - during those time you could put on pajamas/onees so the pups cannot nurse, but she can comfort them, clean them, and lay with them. I believe that if she can handle it - the pups need as much milk as mom can give them. It really depends on her condition and the pups. Have you asked your vet yet? If he/she knows a lot about this and see them - he will probably be the best to advice you. We can guess, but since we cannot see her condition or the pups - I would hate to advise you.Best thing to do is keep a check on her temperature twice daily. It should stay below 102 and check her legs (make sure they do not shake).
T.

the onesie is a great idea.. i wish the calcium levels could be fixed in mom.. hopefully you will make it through this ordeal with all healthy.. keep on doing what you are doing.. a great job

[cesar49]

Articles Index/Whelping
Posted 12/18/97

TUMS FOR THE MOMMY


Most of us have at least heard of eclampsia, or "milk fever," a debilitating, sometimes fatal illness that can afflict a bitch anytime from a few days to several weeks after whelping. Eclampsia is caused by a depletion of the nursing dam's calcium supply; but this calcium drain has also been going on throughout pregnancy, while the unborn puppies' teeth and bones were being formed.

Fortunately, the number of bitches that come down with full-blown eclampsia is relatively small (most often dams with large litters); but pre-eclampsia, the phase just before is more common. Its symptoms are:

Unusual nervousness, restlessness, and a wild-eyed expression.
Inability to stay still long enough to nurse the pups.
Constant mouthing or picking up the puppies; moving them around continually; frantic digging in the whelping box.
Pre-eclampsia can usually be remedied quickly by a calcium injection. Sometimes more than one shot is necessary; and it may also be advisable to temporarily remove the pups from their dam and bottle-feed them. But more importantly, pre-eclampsia (and subsequent eclampsia) can be avoided by supplying your bitch with extra calcium for two to three weeks both before and after the whelping.

The good news is that the most easily absorbable form of calcium is contained in the antacid TUMS, which has been around for years. (Remember "TUMS" FOR THE "TUMMY?") Tums still come in tablet form and can be bought over-the-counter at any drugstore. What's more, they are chewable and pleasant-tasting (your bitch will love them.)

One TUMS a day, given during the crucial period before and after whelping, can definitely keep eclampsia away.

Nat LaMar
ANTIC, Christmas 1988

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Copyright © 1997 by ANTA. All rights reserved

[cesar49]

Eclampsia (Milk Fever or Puerperal Tetany)
Race Foster, DVM
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.


Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening disease caused by low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in dogs and more rarely in cats. The lactating animal is especially susceptible to blood calcium depletion because of lactating. The bodies of some lactating dogs and cats simply cannot keep up with the increased demands for this mineral that they receive from their diet. Please remember that the diet may be fine for these affected individuals, but they lack the ability to quickly shunt calcium to their milk without depleting their own bodies.

Eclampsia is most commonly encountered 1-3 weeks after giving birth, but it can occur anytime, even while pregnant. Litters do not need to be large to cause eclampsia, but usually those bitches producing a lot of milk are at a greater risk, as are dogs of smaller breeds. The puppies themselves are not affected as the mother’s milk appears to be normal during this period.

Signs of eclampsia

Eclampsia is a very serious disorder, but fortunately, the signs are fairly easy to recognize, especially when coupled with the period of lactation. Initially, the affected animal will be restless and nervous. Within a short time, she will walk with a stiff gait and may even wobble or appear disoriented. Eventually, the animal may be unable to walk and exhibit extreme leg rigidity. Body temperature may increase to over 105º F and respiration rates will increase. At this point, death can occur if no treatment is given.

Treatment of eclampsia

If you suspect eclampsia, seek veterinary attention at once and prevent the puppies from nursing for at least 24 hours. Supplement them with a commercial milk replacer. A veterinarian can confirm eclampsia with a blood test to determine blood calcium levels. Eclampsia can be rapidly corrected by your veterinarian through the use of intravenous calcium supplementation. The bitch is monitored carefully for heart rhythm irregularities which can occur.
She will be continued on oral calcium supplements as needed.

If she responds well to treatment, her young can gradually be allowed to nurse.

Prevention of eclampsia

Once a female has had milk fever during a lactation period, there is an excellent chance that it will repeat with future litters if preventative steps are not taken.
Supplementation of dietary calcium does not seem to play a large role in preventing eclampsia. In fact, over-supplementation during pregnancy may actually cause it. All calcium supplements must be in the proper ratio with phosphorus. This ratio should be about 1:1 (i.e., 1 part calcium to 1 part phosphorus). In addition, it has been suggested that dog foods high in soybeans will be high in the plant product phytate. Phytates combine with calcium and can render the calcium unavailable to the bitch’s body, and therefore, make her more susceptible to eclampsia. To remedy the problem, feed diets low in soybean.

In conclusion, it is of great importance for breeders to be able to recognize the signs of eclampsia. If you feel your female is showing these signs, remove the pups to prevent further nursing and seek veterinary assistance at once.






copy and paste info online source

[Little Bit]

Originally Posted by Marlee

I have talked to them and they encouraged me to try with one baby per feeding. Although this ,morning after the last round she was jittery agian ( no panting, or hig fever). Her temp is fine, siting about 101.2 and I am shoving as much calcium down her thraot as possible. I am just begining to think her body cant even handle one puppy right now. They are out of the office today, although I did leave a message with my vet to call me asap. The er here has odd hours as well this weekend.

I think she ( Bridget) is ok, she is not showing the signs she did the last two times she seriously crashed, but the jitters I think is the first thing to notice.
The babies look great they are eating well and gaining, I am feeding every 2.5- 3 hours now, as they demand it. I on the other hand am hardly sleeping at all. I was hoping Bridget would pull through, but I don't think so. So odd to she did great her first litter, but they said with her onset being this bad, she is very likely to do this in the future, so I will be spaying her as soon as this is finished. Really sad to her babies are some of the prettest here by far, and have great features. One was sent to live in Russia last time with my brothers mother in law ( she flew here to get him) OMG!!! I wish I had kept him for show, he is so amazing! Great top line and everything. I am so sad, but do not want to risk her health, had I known this would have happened I do not think I would have breed her again.

I am sorry you are still having problems. If you don't have a onesie you can also cut off part of a nylon stocking and put it over the mom's tummy to help prevent nursing. That was she can still diaper them and be with them.

I can't wait to see pictures of your pups. It sounds like she is a really nice dam. Too bad she is having such problems. I know you must be exhausted. Is there anyone there to help you?

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by Marlee

I have talked to them and they encouraged me to try with one baby per feeding. Although this ,morning after the last round she was jittery agian ( no panting, or hig fever). Her temp is fine, siting about 101.2 and I am shoving as much calcium down her thraot as possible. I am just begining to think her body cant even handle one puppy right now. They are out of the office today, although I did leave a message with my vet to call me asap. The er here has odd hours as well this weekend.

I think she ( Bridget) is ok, she is not showing the signs she did the last two times she seriously crashed, but the jitters I think is the first thing to notice.
The babies look great they are eating well and gaining, I am feeding every 2.5- 3 hours now, as they demand it. I on the other hand am hardly sleeping at all. I was hoping Bridget would pull through, but I don't think so. So odd to she did great her first litter, but they said with her onset being this bad, she is very likely to do this in the future, so I will be spaying her as soon as this is finished. Really sad to her babies are some of the prettest here by far, and have great features. One was sent to live in Russia last time with my brothers mother in law ( she flew here to get him) OMG!!! I wish I had kept him for show, he is so amazing! Great top line and everything. I am so sad, but do not want to risk her health, had I known this would have happened I do not think I would have breed her again.

keep at least one girl to breed in the future