as most of you know my pups have been split into 2 groups and 3 are being handraised by an experienced breeder for me,as the mum has very little milk and is not a good mum. She has just phoned me saying that today they all refused the bottle and have lost weight and can i have them all back tomorrow.I am struggling to cope with the 3 i have here,they are very runny at the moment and my bitch puppy is a little sick.How the hell am i going to cope with hand rearing them on my own and they will not feed from the bottle anymore and the bitch is running dry ?? please help,anyone!!! helen xxx
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Helen did you contact any of the people that were recommended to you in the first place?

there is no one local or within a reasonable distance!! i will try to get the vet to give a shot to get some more milk going tomorrow and hope they feed. I am scared i dont want to lose my precious babies after they were doing so well!!

Hi Helen

There's a lady who specialises in raising orphaned or abandond pups. I 've trawled thru my dog magazines to find the article, without any success. If anyone know who I am waffling on about, it would be well worth a phone call.

Good luck

liberty

but did you contact any of them for advice? These people may be miles away but they have experience and I would have thought they would be your first port of call. Give them a ring before it is to late.

Is there anyone who can show you how to tube feed them? I know it is risky but it sounds like the situation is getting desperate and you need to get food into them. Tube feeding if done correctly can be a life saver - both for you and the pups who won't eat. It guarantees milk gets into them and is a lot quicker than bottle feeding - so you get more rest. Your vet may be able to help you or an experienced breeder. I have never had to do it but my understanding from people who have is that the main danger is pushing the milk in too fast so that it spills back out and into the lungs - it is extremely difficult (apparently) to actually insert the tube into the lungs by mistake.

All the best
Janet

Kane
I am within a near distance and am prepared to help you.

Hi Kane
Sorry to hear things have taken a turn for the worse.
I did speak to you and from the onset recommended to you to tube feed and offered if you came round here I would show you how to do this, I also offered if you were really stuck I would rear them for you.
These offers both still stand.
When a puppy looses the suckling reflex it can be the first sign of FADING PUPPY SYNDROME. An experienced breeder should be aware of this and take action immediatley not leave the pups a day and a night without feeding. Jackie mentioned some of the pups have sores on their bellies, this if the cause of the FPS is Canine Herpies could be another sign.
I have experienced fading puppy syndrome and most vets will only offer anti-biotics as a support to prevent secondary infection not cure the FPS.
I found via much searcing a cure of Plasma Transfusion. I reccomend that not just the poorly pups but all your pups receive this transfusion as FPS can affect a whole litter so best they all receive some anti-biodies.
Chances are your local vet will not be aware of this procedure. I live very near to you and suggest if you contact me I will accompany you to my vet who has carried this procedure out for me twice and both times sucessfully. You need to have a recently vaccinated dog as a donao, I do not recommend your bitch though as depending what infection has caused the FPS you bitch may not have enough antibodies also given what she has just been through she is probably not at her best. My male Bordeaux donated for our pups and I would be happy to let him donate for your pups.
Give me a call on 01652 660681.
I really think you should do this sooner rather than later as FPS kills quick if not fought :-(

Hi Helen,
If you're willing to use alternative therapies to increase her milk you could try homeopathic Urtica Urens. 30c or higher. Also herbal remedies Milkwort, Milk Thistle or Fennel are good. Giving plenty of fluids will help too. Keeping calm will help her too but that's easier said than done!

Kath.x

Since most of my experience is with babies (human!) I know that when they're reluctant to feed it often means they have an infection of some kind. I would have thought that the puppies need to be seen by a vet as a matter of extreme urgency. I trust you have a good outcome.
Cathy.

Hi Helen how old are these pups now and i do have to say that it is not on that this person is dumping the pups now that she cant be botherd with them poor little mites,the bitch will not take them back now as they will smell different so dont try and put them near her, instead of a bottle why not try a dropper, dont put the pups together as the other ones might have picked up some thing.

Could you try :- http://www.dogpages.org.uk ????
I know someone in Sleaford who takes on pups, I donnot know how old, and I donnot know what she is like, but it is worth a try?????????????
Lea :)

Hi there ive been following your story all the way since your girl had them.Its such a shame,not too sure how old they are now.I have hand reared pups a few times before only toy dogs mind,but with quite good success ,Sometimes mine have the sucking reflex at the beginning then forno reason seem to totally forget what they are supposed to do.I always add glucose to the milk and give them abidec drops .But when they decide not to take the bottle i syringe feed them really slowly as to avoid them swallowing lots of air.And even though they are reluctant at first they seem to come round to the idea .I keep them in a small puppy cage that is covered with blankets and a light bulb in there so its warm but not cooking.I also find that if they havent been stimulated to go to the toilet properly they will refuse to drink,and will go down hill really quick.Now i was the same as you had no one to help me i rang everywhere just for advice ,cause people where to far away i looked on the net everything.And i must say im handrearing 4 toy pups at the minute and they are a week old and seem to be doing really well they weighed around 5 ounces at birth and now they all weigh about 9 or 10.Dont get me wrong its hard work,but you keep at it girl and hopefully you will get through it.
Deb

You could see if the vet will show you how to tube feed them, it is not difficult once you get the hang of it.

hi also been following your desperate situation,Liberty mentioned about a women in doggie mags so i got on the case!hope this may be of some help it was in a jan 2002 edition though. worth a try maybe it readsDONPIPQUE CANINE WHELPING AND HAND REARING CLINIC,OPEN 24-7-365 FOR ANY PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER.TEL 01945 450440 or450820. mobile 07949950393.(it goes on to say about there unprecedented success at rearing newborn and premature puppies.they are licenced,insured and do transport to all locations,) hope this may be of some help if they are still on any of these numbers.x x x

That's the one I meant!!! Donpipique.....:) :)
Well done you for finding it :)

liberty

Helen (kane) is having some more problems now but its not for me to say, i'm sure she will post when she gets time :) just thought i'd let you all know

Hi Jacki

Please pass on my best wishes to Helen (kane), I hope her problems are succesfully resolved; and that she is able to contact Staffie or The Dompipique Clinic for help with the pups.

liberty

ok liberty i will :)

Donpipque are on south Brink on the A47 into Wisbech Cambs, I think the lady has Standard Poodles, we live very close to her. but just looked at the thread today. If you get hold of her and she can help, if you are stuck for transport would be willing to help