After my Earlier post with the pup with a runny bottom, I'm now a bit concerned about mum. Pup is ok, haven't seen anymOre runnyness, and all the others are ok. But mum (5 days post whelping) seems to be sleeping quite a lot, panting & breathing more intensely. I have taken her temperature, which is at 40c. So now I'm worrying myself sick that she could have the beginnings of eclampsia. Are these observations normal for a bitch who's just had a litter of pups, or should I be calling the out of hours vet now?  I will be calling them anyway tomorrow, even if it's just to set my mind at rest

I don't breed & I'm sure that others with experince will give you advice, I can only say that if you have concerns any concerns then you should be on the phone to your vet.

> the beginnings of eclampsia

Are you giving Collo-Cal D or something like it as a supplement? That is designed to ward off eclampsia. Make sure it's not too hot in your whelping room, and that Mum can get away from the heat source, if you have extra heating like a pad or lamp. Newly delivered bitches do pant but of course call your vet if you're worried. That's what they're there for.

The temperature is only slightly up, and I would expect this in a newly whelped bitch.  Her panting also sounds the norm to me, mine have often panted heavily for well over a week afterwards.  I'm not sure that I would feel the need to call an out of hours vet, but certainly phone them for an opinion in the morning, if only for reassurance.

I have to admit that I have never given supplements of any kind, even after whelping.  I guess if I'd ever had a bitch with eclampsia that I would feel differently, but, apart from changing to a puppy food 2 weeks before they're due, and introducing a fish meal (to hide the Panacur in), I've never felt the need.

I'm not terribly experienced, but my bitch panted on and off and slept a LOT after birth, mostly with her babes. The womb contracts down again which is why they pant and are uncomfortable.

That's not to say she may not be getting eclampsia though, I would check with your vet. xx

Thankyou for your replies, she's a little off Her food although drinking appears normal, she has just been Outside, and is toileting normally, Just does't seem herself, so a call to the vet first thing in the morning will be my first job of the day. I know this is a strenuous time for her, & I don't really know what to expect as this is our first litter. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to help her be the best mum she can be, course when you try to read everything you can so you at least have some idea of what to expect or signs to look out for, it's east to get worried about the slightest thing.

I have found this forum so helpful, Thankyou everyone for your replies

Just to add, her temperature has now gone down to 39.1c, she's come out of the whelping box, had a 5 minute cuddle and now gone back to check on the babies.

That's good to hear

she does sound very normal to me but that dont stop us still worrying does it.