SLF Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share Posted February 6, 2014 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152247934203478&set=pcb.10152247934598478&type=1&theater link to photo of the pups Thankyou we are managing - just. I am topping up 3 of the 5 pups every 2-3hrs. I am managing to get about 40ml/day each into them. They are also suckling from Reba. The other 2 big males seem to be doing very well on their own, though I still top them up twice a day if I can get them to take any they seem full to the brim the rest of the time. I know they probably need a bit more, but they so tire quickly. Even if I try to take the bigger ones off and leave the smaller ones, they still don't manage enough on their own. They tire and fall asleep. Reba is eating sporadically, and some times is a lot more calm than others. Mostly I am having to send her outside with food, while I feed the pups. Though last night she let me feed the little ones in the whelping box. On the condition I didn't hold them. If they are laying on the mat with her, and I am just holding the bottle then she is ok with that, but its time consuming. So mostly I send her out, feed the pups, and let her back in when they are asleep on the heat packs. This works best as she comes in and will sit calmly with them, and relax and sleep. Not fuss, or over tend to them. Mostly though she is stressed and anxious, I am seeing the vet today, I wonder if there is anything we can do about this? I wouldn't say we are out of the woods just yet, but they are improving and that's the main thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 wonderful to see the photos, thanks for posting them. I wonder why Reba is so stressed with these pups. I agree with talking to the vet to see if there's anything to calm her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 SLF - You know what might be interesting and useful? To phone Werribee Uni Clinic . Long term survival, and residual effects after envenomation must be documented somewhere - and there may also be info on envenomation during pregnancy . if there's NOT - then perhaps they would be keen to take notes !!! Either way- they have lots of staff & resources & info which might give you an insight which a normal vet/clinic can not. I do think the puppies' weakness and slow growth , plus Reba's behaviour is all linked to what effects are left after the snake bite ... just my 2C worth ...and would be seeking some specialist advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Excellent idea Perse!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLF Posted February 9, 2014 Author Share Posted February 9, 2014 I rang Werribee after you suggested and they were not able to help much. We decided we need to lightly sedate Reba with Valium. Just a light dose when the anxiety and barking became a problem. It has made the world of difference. I think to be able to break the cycle of stress was the key. stressed bitch = not eating = no milk = hungry pups = distressed bitch = distressed pups etc etc etc.. I also started her on Fenugreek tablets. Im now topping all the pups up after she has feed them. They are drinking about 10mls each after she has let them feed. Here is a photo of Daisy and her bottle https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152253920048478&set=a.10150817734748478.484786.776823477&type=1&theater Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 Hopefully they start to put on some 'puppyfat' now that mum is more relaxed .. That is a very cute photo of the little girl :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 great news, lovely photo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mini girl Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 I loved the photo of Daisy. I do hope all goes well from now on. You have been through so much you certainly deserve this litter and of course their mother to come out on top. All the very, very best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 How are they all going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLF Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 (edited) Hello :) the pups are doing very well. I have small concerns with one of the little bitch pups. Sometimes she seems to be a little neurologically 'odd' I cant quite put my finger on it and it may be nothing but at times I wonder if she is ok. Im hoping its nothing and I am just watching them too closely. Developmentally they are good, they have tiny teeth now, and they bite! they are barking at me when they are hungry as I am still bottle feeding round the clock. Reba is still with them and doing the best she can but unable to sustain enough milk for 5 hungry mouths. I have just fed them now and decided tomorrow I must trim there nails, they are so sharp and I have scratches all over my forearms. I can only imagine poor Reba. I also noticed one of the pups had scratches on her tummy that had been bleeding. Its also time to start to introduce some solid food. I cant keep the milk up to the big ones and the little ones will benefit from the extra feed. Thanks for keeping track of us. I will be back again soon x Edited February 25, 2014 by SLF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjosa Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 I am just so thrilled to hear that the five surviving puppies are doing well. It has been a long hard road, since the bite, but you are being well rewarded for your care and patience. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Well Done ! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mini girl Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Great news about the pups I followed this very closely and am so happy to hear they are going well. I am tube feeding two pups at present so with 5 to feed you must be so full on. Hope all continues to go well. The little girl may be ok once about 8 weeks what are her symptoms. I once had a little female pup was concerned about but by 8 weeks she was just like all the rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLF Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 (edited) I am lucky I have a home for this little girl if she isn't 'quite right'. I have a wonderful family who will take her on if she needs a little extra care. Every now and then she seems a little spaced out and topples over. It looks neurological. She also looks to struggle a little with foot placement/balance. However some days its hard to pick and she seems quiet fine. Im hoping once she is stronger and more co-ordinated that this may be less evident and may just be she isn't as strong as the others? She feeds well, and gets around ok. So we will just wait and see. Edited February 25, 2014 by SLF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynst Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Hi SLF, I am so pleased to hear that the puppies are doing so well and sending healing vibes to your little girl. Let's just hope that it passes and everything works out well for her. Healing vibes for Reba too she has been through a terrible time and so have you. Lots of love to all of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Thank you for the update :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Great to hear they are going well. Hope your little girl continues to grow stronger and more balanced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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