My springer had 7 pups, three weeks ago. We lost 3 of them in them in the first week. The other four are doing really well, expept one of the bitches, she and her sister were the first to get up and waddle round the whelping box, but the last few days she has been very reluctant to stand up at all. I know she can walk as I have moved her away from 'Mother' to see how she would get back to her feed. She does walk a little but she is not as active as the rest of the litter. I am a bit concerned and she is going the Vet tomorrow, but I am really looking for some advise on how I can check if there is something wrong or she is just being lazy? Thanks for any help anyone can offer. I have contacted a local breeder who says that the otheres are just a little quicker than her and to give her a few more days, but I have been reading 'Book of the bitch' and it mentions something about "swimmers" in there.. She is not doing that but it has got me worrying

Sorry I cant offer any help but would like to push your post to the top I hope someone comes to advise you soon try not to worry too much

Jean

Hi guest, Is your girl heavier than the others? Is she carrying a lot of fat? If so, (& that's not uncommon with a small litter) then she may just be a bit slower to get up on her legs / move around than the others.
Is she feeding from mom? Obviously this is a good sign if she is & a possible indication there may be a problem if she isn't. Have you introduced solids at all yet? If so, is she interested? Is she dehydrated? you can check this by doing the scruff test. Take a handful of scruff & watch how quickly it goes back, do it on mom first so you can see what to expect, it should fall back fairly quickly, if it takes a while or if the scruff stays there - she's dehydrated & needs fluid.
hope this helps. snoopy1.
edit to add - Is she lethargic & not interested in whats going on?
guest, if you register & answer some of my Q's - I may be able to help you further. If she is lethargic/dehydrated she will need fluid ASAP.

Guest it maybe an idea to register them you would be able to reply to the advice being offered. & you can post again to let us know how things are. Its easy to register and it costs nothing. There is a lot of good information offered here

Jean

hi, sorry for taking my time too get too your question.how r they doin? have you checked the feet are the nails ok not too long or any broken ,growing under is it putting on weight?Is the belly swollen?and hard ? have you wormed them have you wormed mum? worms have alot too answer for in puppies just a few things that might help or might not all the best hope everything is ok