Golly what a dreadful situation. :(  You really are being tested here........

Shame he couldn't have prescribed something else.  here are the details for  metronidazole http://www.medicinenet.com/metronidazole/article.htm

I would try and express some of her milk for her own comfort and to avoid further complications of Mastitis and of course to maintain the milk supply.

Pleased to hear that is all going well, I am sure that the vet has taken everything into consideration and that he considers that the antiobiotics that he has put her on are the ones that are the most suitable for her illness.

I'm so glad to hear that the pups are getting on better with the hand feeding now. Also glad that mum is back home with you, although what a nightmare if she can't go in with the pups... could you maybe put a t-shirt or something similar so she can go in with them but they won't be able to suckle? I did this when I was trying to wean pups off mum and it worked a treat!

Good luck for the next couple of days and well done to you for trying so hard for these babies, I think you deserve a few nights' unbroken sleep for sure after all this!!!

I really do feel for you, I only just read your post, I have hand reared large breed over the years, so was somewhat surprised no one suggested goats milk. I kept goats specifically for the dogs though we also used their milk. Personally by 13 days I would give a little finely minced lamb/beef I always introduce it by this time, to relieve mum a bit, fed by hand to each pup minced finely, not too much as when hand rearing constipation can be a problem. Hope by now you are all doing well

Thanks for the recent posts.  I phoned the vets earlier to confirm when mum will be able to go back with the pups as they just told my husband she could go back with them the day after she finished the tablets.  They have only just phoned me back and said she cannot feed them until at least 24 hours after her last tablet and to wait until friday morning to be on the safe side.  Its a good job i checked or i would have put them back with her in the morning! They also said she could clean the pups which the vet yesterday said she couldnt! I have spoken to a different vet every time i have called, the downside of a large practice i suppose.

So anyway we have shown mum the pups and although she is a bit unsure she wanted to clean them and kept sniffing them, i cant leave them with her though so its a bit awkward for her to get her bond back with them.  I think she was so sure they had died without her that she is shocked to see them.

Roll on Friday morning! I might even treat myself to a glass of wine Friday night :0)

I think she will be fine once she gets back in with them ..once you start weaning she will spend less time in with them anyway ..just give her access when you are able too.

Pups are in with mum this morning, its like they have never been away from her and they latched on immediately.  She doesnt seem too interested at the moment but that will come.
I would like to thank you all again for all your help over the past few days, it has been invaluable.

i love happy ending :) now you can enjoy a little drink tonight :) ....

Super news for you, mum and pups - best wishes and hope it continues well.