Livi had to rushed to the vet just now...please keep her in your thoughts!

[Woogie Man]

Tammy, I would let Livi do all she can but still closely monitor the babies and feed them at least a little. If she keeps producing, you may be able to feed less and to stretch out the time in between. Just keep a close eye on the pups. They are still prone to going downhill on you but it does sound good!!

[TammyJM]

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

Ooops...I didn't see your last post since I was busy typing. It sounds like Livi is making more milk than I thought. My earlier advice was made thinking her milk was scant. Maybe giving her time to replenish would be good anyway, considering all she and the pups have been through, but it sounds like she may be ready to turn the corner and take on her Mommy duties.

It's in a pup's nature to stay pretty much on the teat early on and you'll have that with any litter. My caution would be based on all that has happened with her so far.

I will feed the puppies and then it will be time to feed Livi. Hopefully, Livi's milk will come in and stay!

[Woogie Man]

This is all very good to hear. Sounds like you may be able to get *a little* rest before much longer. I was so hoping you wouldn't be having to hand raise all the pups. Just be careful in letting Livi take over so the pups don't drop off any and make sure they stay vigorous.

With my little girl, I hand fed her a couple times a day even after I was pretty sure she didn't need it, just to be sure.

[mjharpst]

Tammy, I have nothing to offer other than my prayers and support for Livi and you! I hope that the puppies continue to thrive and that Livi is on the road to recovery!

You are doing fabulous and keep it up! One day at a time girl! You can do it!

[AprilLove]

Hi Tammy,
Just popped in to check on you guys and the babies and Livi. So glad to hear they have gained. It sounds like you have gotten a lot of good advice here and are doing wonderful job with Livi and the babies. Continued good thoughts and prayers coming your way! and little tiny smoochies for the babies Huggles!!!

[Woogie Man]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

I originally posted the link to the site a few months back, after I was faced with hand raising a litterl. However, I posed the question of tube feeding to my repro vet and he was in total agreement with not tube feeding, if you could get away with it. Too risky, per his words, he's witnessed the most experienced breeders tube feeding and losing a pup because of a slip up. I know my mentor is a pro at tube feeding and highly advocates it. But, she's been breeding for over 40 years.

A couple things I question about the info posted in this thread (not sure if it's the same as in the link you mention) is that there is a reference, when talking about sub-qing, of refilling the syringe for the NEXT 10cc injection. They're obviously talking about larger pups and this info isn't appropriate for a small Yorkie pup. Also, I would disagree about using, not just cow's milk, but undiluted evaporated cow's milk, in a Yorkie. Seems like a good way to blow them out. That's why I think, in this case, a link was necessary so people could determine if the info was appropriate for toy breeds.

It still seems to me that I first saw this on a site about large breeds. I often look around other breed sites for info. Some of it is very useful for Yorkies and some isn't.

As for tube feeding, I wouldn't personally do it and wouldn't recommend something I haven't done or wouldn't do. I have tube fed baby birds, but that's a whole different anatomy.

[yorkiegirl2]

Tammy,
Puppy even when full will still suck at the nipple, fall asleep with the nipple in the mouth and suck off and on. Just like human babies do.
The nipple is like a pacifier.

The nipples will not stay full looking as puppies do drain them but should show little sacks by the next feeding time. Especially the back ones.
The top nipples hardly ever seem to be full unless there is a big litter.

I had a girl that went off her feet and was not producing much milk but the pups were left with her.
Even tho she didn't look like she had any milk.
They were getting milk because the tummies were plump and they were gaining weight.

The Main thing is to get Livi eating well again so her body will produce enough milk.
As the pups grow her body will adjust to the amount needed

Just keep weight checks on the babies to make sure they keep gaining.

[Jacksmom052709]

I've been following this thread and just wanted to check to see how Livi and the babies were doing. Glad to hear things are taking a turn for the better. Hang in there Tammy, you're doing a great job!

[TammyJM]

Thought I would share some pictures that I took earlier today.

[brendah]

AW Thanks for the pics and look at them fat lil bellys Momma looks good to. Keep up the great work Tammy.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by TammyJM

Thought I would share some pictures that I took earlier today.

Those babies look like they are doing great. I personally would leave them with mom and let them nurse as much as they want. The sucking is waht will stimulate her to produce more milk. If their bellies look full after nursing, I would not feed them. If they seem content after nursing I would not feed them. If they have nursed and are still crying I would feed them.

Just my opinion.

[Sweetlips6]

Oh she is the sweetest thing!!! Thanks for posting the pics
The babies look like they have little round tummies, you must be doing a great job.

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

Originally Posted by TammyJM

Thought I would share some pictures that I took earlier today.

aww tammy thanks for the pictures...i know it has to be hard on your with all you are going through...but seeing those round plump belly was a big relief for me at least...i been following this thread hoping and praying all turns out well...you are doing an awesome job!

[Micah my love]

Babies & mom look good i was suprised to see them looking so healthy
keep up the good work

[TammyJM]

Thanks!!! I am super proud of how far these guys have come!!!!! I literally have spent this whole weekend laying on the cold tile floor, with a puppy on a blanket and heating pad in front of me, while I eye drop milk into them. I hurt from my head to my feet from laying like this. But it's all worth it to see these guys do better. Anyone that has ever seen a fading puppy knows EXACTLY what I was dealing with last Friday and Saturday morning. Friday, Cadbury could not not even hold his head up and he couldn't suckle...he just kind of gasped when I tried to get him to latch onto the bottle. These puppies were VERY VERY weak and had upset tummies with diarhhea and were extremely tired. The vet said that this all went hand-in-hand with the medication that Livi had been put on (and the high dosage). We are blessed to have a wonderful vet that we could turn to when the other vet made this error. It has been difficult to try to fix all of this and I am still struggling since Livi still has no milk, but I have been determined to do the right thing for these puppies and for Livi...no matter what!

Thanks again!