Hi, on Thursday night my bitch started heavy panting and digging, on Friday night she had her first 4 pups. She was very restless after the birth and was panting heavily. I took her to the vets on Saturday morning and she was scanned which showed one huge puppy. The vet opened her up and there was 5 more pups in there with the placenta's all tangled. One pup had a damaged leg so we stopped trying to bring it round. Another pup was very slow to breath but we got him going in the end. I took her home and when she came round she was shaking and panting. Yesterday despite my best efforts the weakest pup died. I had taken it away from her so it died in my arms. The bitch still continues to pant heavily, so yesterday (Monday) I took her to the vet who jabbed her with calcium.
Unfortunatly it has not helped and she is still panting very heavily, her temp is normal and she is eating (fed by hand) and drinking. The pups are feeding and I am topping them up. I noticed a few sloppy poos outside this morning and last night when  I let her out she started digging in the garden and continues to do this every time she goes out. I was going to take her back to the vets but thought I would ask on here first to see if anyone can give me any advice on what is wrong with my bitch. This is her 2nd litter, she has her 1st 2.5 years ago by C section.
Many thanks
Julia

The panting and digging after birth is quite normal, she will still be experiencing some degree of pain while her uterus contracts back down, this will cause her to pant and dig. All my girls have always panted for a good few days after the birth, as long as she is bright, eating and drinking with a normal temperature then she just needs some rest.

If anything changes or gets worse and you are concerned then it is always better to be safe and get her checked, but try not to worry too much (easy said i know)

Your poor girl has had a hard time of it, her body needs to rest and recover, just keep a close eye on her.

I hope all goes well :)

Just to also back up MandyC, it is very normal behaviour, some bitches may even continue to pant for a couple of weeks afterwards and the digging will continue on and off, just keep an eye on her digging in the whelping area. :-)

Thank you so much for your replies! I was really starting to worry about her, you dont know how much you have put my mind at rest.

Big thanks!
x

I agree with everyone else here she will pant and dig as her uterus contracts back to its original shape. Personally i wouldnt allow her to have another litter after this one, she had a section on her first and has had trouble with this one. Id keep a pup and have her spayed. Hope shes ok in a few days, also make sure it isnt too hot in your whelping box, she maybe incomfortable.

Louise

After 2 C sections, this is her last litter. I have just found her on the futon in the bedroom with one of the pups. I dont know why she had moved it, it seems strong and healthy. I am taking her to the vets for a scan later to put my mind at ease, as she is behaving very differently to how she was with her 1st litter. She was a very quiet and content mum, this time she is unsettled and seems unsure of herself.

Like human pregnancies and babies, each one will be a completely different experience.  Poor little lady, hope she perks up.  It can't be very nice having a c-section - I'm sure normal birthing is bad enough lol.

> Personally i wouldnt allow her to have another litter after this one, she had a section on her first and has had trouble with this one.

Agree with Louise, although I have to be honest, I won't even have a second litter if they don't whelp naturally first time (breed club do allow 2.)