Small Litters

[mumof4girls]

Hey guys I just have a question of small litters ie 1 or 2. Is the chance of complications higher In this situation?

Sorry cant post in breeders thread as I'm not a breeder , the discussion has come up and I thought I read somewhere that complications are more common ..

[Simply Grand]

I'm not a breeder either but just from reading around I think if there are only 1 or 2 babies in there soaking up all the nutrients they can grow too big for mum to deliver naturally. Also, once they're born they may need some lumps and bumps in the whelping box to crawl around over and also to be prompted to move around so their muscles and bones develop properly without a pile of other puppies to crawl over.

And there's the socialisation/learning manners aspect f they don't have other babies to play and fight with.

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can provide more info!

Edited August 2, 2013 by Simply Grand

[Rebanne]

Sometimes small litters don't trigger labour and you need a C section.

[mumof4girls]

Ah yes Robanne that what I was thinking I had read .thanks both of you for your replies :-)

[Alyosha]

I have also known of singleton pups that have had very attentive or fussy mothers having problems - not getting enough sleep and even physical injury from her constantly cleaning, fidgeting and moving pup around. That would depend on the mother's experience and temperament too.

[Christina]

I have had several litters of just 1 pup & single kittens.

They have never been really big, normal size, haven't needed ceasarians except for one cat that just didn't go into labour. Not had a problem with them being lazy, clumsy or unsociable.

Actually I have found temperaments terrific probably because of all the extra fuss they get

Mums are normal with them. Not a problem here.

[Simply Grand]

Why do they sometimes not go into labour? Is it hormone levels? Or physical reasons because there aren't many puppies in there?

[OSoSwift]

My bitch had one - she was xrayed and we were told there were none - delivered it herself no issues.

Had no issues with mobility or development.

Edited August 2, 2013 by OSoSwift

[Angeluca]

I Have had 2 singletons and compared to my litter of 8 they were double the size of the largest pup. the mother came into labor by herself and whimpered in pain a fair bit more. The first time she didn't want the pup, would let if feed but slept as far away from it as possible until the end where she wouldn't leave her alone. (lucky it was summer) this pup came to be a wonderful dog larger in average breed size but fantastic temperament. the second was a boy the mum was good with him in the beginning but hated being around him at the end to the point of climbing out of the yard and running away when he was only 4 weeks. He is also MASSIVE almost looks full grown at 5 mths.

both developed quickly and wobbled a fair bit stuggled with walking due to their weight but got real strong from it when they got there.

the mother was desexed.

i think they say there is like a 70% more of a chance of c-section for various reasons. And some say rapid growth is a concern for larger dogs.

[dancinbcs]

Why do they sometimes not go into labour? Is it hormone levels? Or physical reasons because there aren't many puppies in there?

Yep, hormone levels. The puppies produce hormones that trigger labour and the amount needed depends on the size of the breed. In a toy breed one puppy usually isn't an issue as they normally have small litters anyway but in a large breed that should have 6+ in a litter then there is a problem. The larger the breed the more likely they will not go into labour with a singleton. I have known of a couple of singleton BCs born normally but the great majority of them have needed a caesar to be born. Then sometimes the bitch has no milk. Not always but if it does happen you need a foster mum fast.

[jerojath]

I am always on the watch for Swimmer Pups in a small litter..... much more likely.

[Airedaler]

I've never had a singleton litter but have had a couple of just 2. They have been delivered naturally by the bitch and had no issues with the raising except them not being able to keep up with the milk supply so the risk/chance of mum developing mastitis is greater. I do know of many breeders though that almost routinely do a C-section if only expecting one or two but IMO this is because they just assume the bitch will not go into labour naturally.

[Simply Grand]

Why do they sometimes not go into labour? Is it hormone levels? Or physical reasons because there aren't many puppies in there?

Yep, hormone levels. The puppies produce hormones that trigger labour and the amount needed depends on the size of the breed. In a toy breed one puppy usually isn't an issue as they normally have small litters anyway but in a large breed that should have 6+ in a litter then there is a problem. The larger the breed the more likely they will not go into labour with a singleton. I have known of a couple of singleton BCs born normally but the great majority of them have needed a caesar to be born. Then sometimes the bitch has no milk. Not always but if it does happen you

need a foster mum fast.

Thanks dancinbcs :)