Need to Care for Puppies w/o Mom

[FlDebra]

The worst that could happen to a new Yorkie mom, did. I lost my sweet Sadie 3 days after she had 5 beautiful puppies. I knew something was not right and tried to tell the vet's office that in several phone calls. They gave me an appointment for Wednesday when I called on Monday. I called back Tuesday morning and said she could not wait another day, they had to see her. My complaints of her being lethargic were met with the explanation of her just having a very large litter and of course she is exhausted. I expressed my worry over the abundant discharge that was brown, green, watery. They said that was normal up to 10 days and unless it was bright red not to worry. Something kept telling me all was not right, even though I could not relate specific symptoms that caught their attention. Still, I knew my girl. They finally agreed to see her after their last appt. that day instead of waiting til my Wednesday appointment. As I was getting her cleaned up and ready to go, she seemed to fade even faster. By the time we got to the vet, she was very sick. I told them that and they said have a seat and we will call you. When Sadie could no longer raise her head in response, I went to the counter crying, "please something is terribly wrong!" Then they brought us back to see the vet. He knew immediately it was bad and took her for an xray and put her in the oxygen chamber. They got IV's started and were getting her prepped for surgery, but she did not make it. She did not retain a pup, but had an infection and had gone toxic very quickly. Vet said she could have retained a small part of the placenta, had a tear in her uterus, or just got an infection during the birthing process. I should have been more agressive to get her seen. I just could not put into words what made me know that all was not well until it was too late. Others saw her Monday and thought she seemed fine. I just had a bad feeling. But it wasn't until Tuesday afternoon that she really showed how sick she was.

I feel horrible about this. But I have little time to mourn as these 5 puppies need a LOT of care. I am bottle feeding them and that seems to be going well so far. They were 5 days old today and are acting very healthy, eating well, peeing and pooping with just a little rubbing with a cotton ball and sleeping 3 hours at a whack. I have a clip-on lamp with a 100 watt bulb above them for extra warmth. They all had their tails docked and dew claws removed this morning and that went smoothly too. I think they are about on track for the recommended feeding of 1 cc per oz. of body weight, every 3 hours for now. Weights this morning were 2.5, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 4.0.

Anyone with first hand experience raising a litter from 3 days old?

How do the puppies do as they are grown, emotionally, personality, etc.? I know I can substitute for feeding and stimulating the waste but how does the loss of mom show in their psychology?

Any and all advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[alaskayorkie]

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. You must be devastated. Unfortunately, I have never raised a litter and can't offer help. I'm sure there are some here who can give you advice. I just wanted to offer my condolences.

[JJC]

I really don't have any advice but someone will come along to share some with you. My heart aches for you. I'm so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Lucia]

I'm bumping this up for in the hope that someone with experience in this area will see it. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I wish you all the best with raising these little ones. xxx

[cath54]

Words can not express the sorrow you fell at this time.Only remember she left them in your hands.....you will be a good mommy to them.Our hearts go out to you....My GOD bless you alll.........


Molly.Andy.Midge.Bel la.Baily.Dozzer.Lela

[jfalz73]

I also can only offer my condolences on your loss....i am so sorry....i am sure someone will be able to answer your questions and concerns....God Bless...

[linda44]

oh I am so sorry to hear this. My heart breaks for you. Sounds like you are doing everything right. Best of luck to you with the babies.

[cobird2]

A bittersweet story...my condolences on your loss. I know what you mean when you wrote you knew something was wrong but finding the right words was hard.
Raising the puppies will be a major undertaking and you will get an enormous amount of support here.
Wishing you the best.

[blancla]

I wanted to tell you that I am very sorry about your loss. I don't have any information to give, but wanted to tell you that I was sorry. I know it must be very hard.

[Sugar's Mom]

I am so sorry for your loss. I have hand raised mine when the mama wouldn't have anything to do with but never been in a situation like this. I pm's Linda (lksdolls) on here. She is a fantastic breeder and I think she has had something like this happen. Maybe she will get online and see it and be able to answer your questions.

[SET Yorkies]

I am so sorry for your loss as I have been exactly in your place. You have a very long road before you. You will most certainly need to inlist the help of family or someone you trust since by the time you've fed and cleaned, it is time to do it all over again. You'll be working on very little sleep. On the up side, you can certainly handle it. What ever you do, don't give up. You may lose puppies as this goes into the first few weeks. Be ready for that. Find a vet that will return your calls immediately.

I've posted my experience several times, you can do a search for it if you like. Otherwise, PM me or give me a call, as I will be happy to help you through this in any way I can. Please don't hesitate to call me day or night, as when problems occur that can escalte very quickly. Send me a PM and I'll give you my contact numbers.

[mkawczak]

My dear you are in my thoughts and Prayers. I wish you and those babies the best. We're here for you. Take the advice of everyone who offers...I wish you were closer...I'd do what I can...Sending you hugs and well wishes...Keep us posted...Thay are truely blessed to have you as their new mommy

[bjh]

I am so sorry for your loss. Did you ever take the mommas temperature when she was sick? Did the mom quit eating when she was sick? There are usually plenty of signs that indicate she needed immediate attention. There are many lessons to be learned from this. It is not that uncommon for a female to get a uterus infection after the pups are born but quick action is always necessary. If she had a uterus infection she would have been running a high temperature.

It sounds like you have the situation under control for the feeding and stimulating of the puppies. You just have to make sure you feed them frequently (every two hours) in the beginning. Your only other option would be to call around and see if you can find a couple of surrogate mothers that can help raise the pups.

What type of formula are you feeding them, is it a homemade formula or store bought?

I do pray that the babies all do well and again I am so sorry for your loss.

[Obie]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

The worst that could happen to a new Yorkie mom, did. I lost my sweet Sadie 3 days after she had 5 beautiful puppies. I knew something was not right and tried to tell the vet's office that in several phone calls. They gave me an appointment for Wednesday when I called on Monday. I called back Tuesday morning and said she could not wait another day, they had to see her. My complaints of her being lethargic were met with the explanation of her just having a very large litter and of course she is exhausted. I expressed my worry over the abundant discharge that was brown, green, watery. They said that was normal up to 10 days and unless it was bright red not to worry. Something kept telling me all was not right, even though I could not relate specific symptoms that caught their attention. Still, I knew my girl. They finally agreed to see her after their last appt. that day instead of waiting til my Wednesday appointment. As I was getting her cleaned up and ready to go, she seemed to fade even faster. By the time we got to the vet, she was very sick. I told them that and they said have a seat and we will call you. When Sadie could no longer raise her head in response, I went to the counter crying, "please something is terribly wrong!" Then they brought us back to see the vet. He knew immediately it was bad and took her for an xray and put her in the oxygen chamber. They got IV's started and were getting her prepped for surgery, but she did not make it. She did not retain a pup, but had an infection and had gone toxic very quickly. Vet said she could have retained a small part of the placenta, had a tear in her uterus, or just got an infection during the birthing process. I should have been more agressive to get her seen. I just could not put into words what made me know that all was not well until it was too late. Others saw her Monday and thought she seemed fine. I just had a bad feeling. But it wasn't until Tuesday afternoon that she really showed how sick she was.

I feel horrible about this. But I have little time to mourn as these 5 puppies need a LOT of care. I am bottle feeding them and that seems to be going well so far. They were 5 days old today and are acting very healthy, eating well, peeing and pooping with just a little rubbing with a cotton ball and sleeping 3 hours at a whack. I have a clip-on lamp with a 100 watt bulb above them for extra warmth. They all had their tails docked and dew claws removed this morning and that went smoothly too. I think they are about on track for the recommended feeding of 1 cc per oz. of body weight, every 3 hours for now. Weights this morning were 2.5, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 4.0.

Anyone with first hand experience raising a litter from 3 days old?

How do the puppies do as they are grown, emotionally, personality, etc.? I know I can substitute for feeding and stimulating the waste but how does the loss of mom show in their psychology?

Any and all advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

So sorry for your loss. I have posted this website the other day and really think it has a lot of great information for your situation. Hope it helps.

Bottle Feeding Puppies

[chachi]

I am sorry for your loss. Best of luck with the pups