Hi,  I currently have a lactating bitch nursing a large 4 wk old litter. She appears in excellent health, has had no weight loss since starting nursing and is eating huge amounts ( Royal Canin Starter Med). However, she has developed a staph infection and has pustules around her mouth and some hair loss on her chest.

My vet here has put her on a 10 day course of antibiotics (Cefaseptin) and antibiotic cream to the affected areas.  He was happy she continued to nurse and thought the infection would clear quickly. I cannot find anything on the net about the side affects of this antibiotic on lactation ( she is spending a lot less time nursing) and side effects in general ( she has vomited several times after eating). Also, a 10 day course seems really short for a staph infection ( I was under the impression that it was more like 6 weeks!) The vet said it is due to her being exhausted by nursing her large litter.

Has anybody else had this problem and how was it resolved? Any advice gratefuly received.
Thanks!

http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/

Click on the page 3 on the top right,Cefaseptin is toward the bottom of the page. you then need to open 'view SPC' on the right. it gives you info on lactating bitches, length of treatment and side effects
HTH Chris

I would wean pups off her to remove any further pressure on her autoimmune system from rearing pups and coping with infection.

I would hope and assume that the OP has already got the pups primarily on solids with Mum simply toping up their 4 or 5 meals a day.

It could be more stressful to force the bitch away from the pups if she is at present free to come and go to them when she wishes (AND NEVER SHUT IN WITH THEM).