What would you do?
 

I posted this in the "Sick" forum but wanted to get maximum exposure since i am worried. My female, Cricket, had 4 puppies on Nov 7 so they are 2 weeks old today (RIP Timmy). Anyways, Sat night she started bleeding. She has not bled since the birth. The blood is RED, not sort of, not brown, RED. It was sort of spotty here and there but over the last few days it has gotten worse. I took her to my vet yesterday morning and he said she was fine. I have been taking her temp, its right at 101. BUT when I take off her 'diaper pants' the flow has gotten heavier. I am upset with my vet now anyways (over Timmy) and whenI called them back today to tell them she was getting heavier bleeding they acted as if I was ignorant and said "come get some antibiotics". Umm, ok but that will FIX it??

Soo, I called another vet that is a few towns away and asked him. He said that it was NOT normal to bleed RED and to bring her in for an X-ray of her uterus first thing tomorrow morning.

So, after all my blabbing, what do you think could be the problem? I am definately taking her tomorrow but was just curious about this and if its ever happened to anyone. I hope she doesnt have to be spayed but if thats the 'fix' that is fine. Can she even be spayed while having puppies? Sorry so long.....just worried. Already lost a pup and I wont have any bases left uncovered again.

I did an Internet search and found info on Canine Von Willebrand's Disease. It says that females with this condition experience excessive bleeding after whelping.

http://www.petcaretips.net/von-willebrand-disease.html

I am going to continue to search the Internet for other things it could be. Hope she gets well soon! Please let us know how her vet appointment turns out.

Oh.........I am sooo sorry to hear this! That poor little girl! I hope everything is fine! That vet sounds stupid! You are smart to follow your "mommy" instincts and taking her to another one. I hope all ends up well with her... please keep us all posted.

Sorry, but I don't know a thing about the girls.....I just wanted to let you know that she is in our thoughts and prayers tonight!

Sending prayers your way! Good idea to take her to get a 2nd op. Please keep us updated...

Here's another good site I found:

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/vaginal...ogs/page1.aspx

I to would have called another vet..... I hope your little mommie will be alright

I think that you are doing the right thing. Getting a second opinion never hurts, and it sounds like the original vet is just blowing you off:(

Prayers going out for your family:love:!

I am going to see my vet tomorrow because my four 9 week old puppies are going in for their shots and a check up. I will ask him what he thinks may cause this bleeding also. My appointment is at 9:00 am so I will post when I get back. I am glad that you are seeking another opinion. Good Luck tomorrow.

I, too, have a 9:30am appointment with another vet. He told me on the phone today he will x-ray her uterus. I did start her on an anti-biotic tonight. BOTH vet offices did say that was a good thing.

Geez... I KNEW I should have followed my original plan and went to school to be a vet... (smaks forehead..lol)

bitch
 

If she is active, eating and her temp is normal, I would not be overly concerned..the spotting is dark red, brownish..that is normal..some of mine have spotted for 4weeks..others 4 days...they are all different. Bottom line is the type of discharge..it does not sound like an infection and her temp is normal...xraying the uterus is not going to tell you much, except if there is a retained pup..it does not pick up a placenta or infection.
I would go by the bitch herself...is she active and happy, eating well as I said...

my cat did that a few days after giving birth, we took her to the vet and she still had one kitten inside her, immediate surgery, then she was fine

i hope all is well

Thats the thing though, she has not BEEN spotting, it just came out of no where 12 days after the puppies were born. That is why I thought is was so odd that something from the birth could just start happening 12 days later.

oops..double posted

vet
 

A vet check will ease your mind...I have had that happen, but would not advise anyone not to seek help if they are concerned...

So you have had it happen too? Thanks for everyones imput. I had to reschedule for 2:00pm so I will maybe know something then.

Any news???:confused: :confused: :confused:

I spoke with my vet and he said the bleeding could be caused by a rupture of blood vessels in the uterus or birth canal, a uterine hemorrhage (which can began several days after whelping), or Metritis --(Metritis--inflammation of the uterus--may also occur postpartum. Metritis is the result of bacterial invasion into the uterus secondary to abortion, fetal infection, manipulation during whelping, placental retention or ascending infection. Bitches with metritis typically neglect their pups. Diagnosis is made by ultrasound and vaginal smears. If not treated promptly, metritis can lead to more serious conditions, such as pyometra and sepsis. Treatment includes antibiotics, oxytocin and prostaglandins.)
How did your vet visit go today? I really do hope it is nothing serious but heavy bleeding two weeks after whelping and nothing in between, really does need to be investigated further.

So many people have lost their loved ones recently, and I would hate to see it happen again because a vet just wanted to prescribe antibiotics and be done with it.

All the puppies did real good with their shots- so far they are all up playing and no side effects so far. He did give me some nutrical to give them just in case since this is the holiday weekend. I gave them a little of it when we got home and so far so good.

Thanks for all that info! Actually, I didnt go in to the appointment. My son had to be at the doc and there were no other openings today. BUT her bleeding has almost stopped completely. Its now not so red, more a darker maroon and has some clear mucus mixed in. She is taking Clavamax now. She is the best mommy to her babies and she is eating great, playing, etc so I am just going to be on a heavy "Watch" for now.

wow heather i am so glad that it has slowed down i have been thinking about you constantly i would be freaking too, but glad she is acting normal, just keep me posted hun...