Ok, before I go any further I AM NOT ADVERTISING!

I have a litter of pups born by c-section yesterday, today they seem to have lost about 1 - 1.1/2oz body weight.  This is the first c-section for any of my girls, is this weight loss normal?  Mum has plenty of milk, so I just wondered if this is normal after a section.  We do have one small pup and wondered if it would be worth trying to give her a bottle feed, I can remember doing this once before with a previous litter, but the milk seemed to come out their nose all bubbly!

Any advise greatfully received

Hello
Sometimes a litle weightcan be lost the first day as with a newborn baby, however depending on the birthweight of your pups depends how much 1oz loss is. Is it a large litter? If so you may need to top up the feeds. I don´t like bottle feeding as like you said you can ge milk inhalation which is dangerous and can lead to pneumonia. I prefer to tube feed, which if done correctly is much better than bottle feeding. You may however fing though that as you bitches milk really starts to come in over the next day or two there is no need to top up feed. The little on however may need you to help keep him on mom so he does not get pushed off by the bigger pups. Do the pups suckle OK and have you checked for cleft paletes?

Pups were born yesterday lunchtime, all checked by the vet as they were born - c-section, no cleft palates.  They are cocker spaniels, 8 in the litter, smallest was 8.1/2oz now 7.1/2oz, they all seem to be feeding ok, I can hear and see the milk around their mouths, this smaller one though seems to hunt for a nipple but not latch on very well.

A 1oz loss in pups of that size is not too bad but you would not want to see any further loss only gain. See how they go by tomorow morning and if not gained back to birthweight I would consider top up feeds. As for the smaller one I think you are going to have to try to hold him on the nipple till he gets the hang of it. He is searching for food so has not lost the desire to suckle. If they loose the desire to suckle that is a bad sign. If you bitch will accept it offer her whelpi to drink too or sprinkle some on her food.
Hope they start gaining weight by tomorrow :-)

Fingers crossed for you Sharon, hope all goes well but keep us informed.

Best Wishes
Jacky

Sharon, just my guess, as you know I just had my first c-section also but I think it is because they don't get fed as quickly or as much in that first 24 hours.   Most of my natural puppies are on feeding as soon as they are born. My little girl lost 1 1/4 oz and she was only 5.5 oz.  I asked the same question to a few people and they all thought it was perfectly normal. I had never had a puppy ever lose weight before and it frightened me also.

Take care.

Pam

Hi Blue...........well I gave all of the pups a top up this morning, and have left them to mum for the rest of the day.  Weighed them again and they have all gained either 1/2 or 3/4oz each.

I think if I had a small breed like yours I would be a complete wreck!!

Speak soon
Sharon