My bitch has just had 7 healthy puppies, but she retained 5 of the afterbirths. Don't know why this happened but as the puppies were being delivered the cords were snapping, anyway I phone the vet and took my girl to them. I asked to have an oxytocin injection to help pass them. Which she did. But I was concerned that the vet told me not to worry about it the afterbirth would break up and be re-absorbed or pass out in bits, and it wouldn't do any harm? Is this true. I have been up all night with her panting lying on her side with tongue hanging out and looking stressed nothing has passed. She has eaten and been drinking. Took her outside she laid down, but did eventually open her bowels and have a wee. Feel that I'm not doing enough to relieve the pain? If she still the same tomorrow will insist on seeing a different vet. Any answers

the injection should have made her pass them. she may have eaten them without you seeing but yes any retained will be passed or reabsorbed. panting is normal for sometimes over a week after delivery. keep an eye on her discharge as long as it doesnt smell it should be ok.

Thanks for reply. Its 4 days now haven't had much sleep. They are all well although 1 puppy hasn't gained any weight. She suckling well moves, around alot, good shiney coat, doesn't feel dehydrated so don't understand it, all the others have gained at least an ounce. Mother still panting presume this is the contractions as the babies are suckling. Lots of debris being passed, still eating and drinking well.

That was a great sized litter for the breed, is that how many they normally have?
I would say dont worry about the afterbirth as they usually come away on their own. I only knew one case where it went wrong and the bitch went down poorly after 7 days after birth.  I forget what the vet did now, as it was my friends bitch, but I know they had to remove it.   I have found that my bitches either pass them with in 24 hours or eat them so quick I hardly see they have passed one, or they come away when they have a wee.
Just watch your bitch and if you think she seems unwell or has a smelly discharge or the discharge starts to have pus in it then call the vet.

Rachel

No idea about the afterbirth, but congrats on a big healthy litter! My friend's bitch had 9 twice, but that's really unusual - I think 3 or 4 is a more average number. Keep us posted! :-)

4 days old now and all doing well.

Thanks for reply. She is loosing quite alot of debris. Looks quite normal. No abnormal smells. Never thought of her eating the afterbirth she is always washing herself and I have to wash her back end down everytime she comes in from the garden. My biggest concern is the smallest puppy not gaining any weight, she looks healthy enough. I'm making sure she gets on first but can't tell if she is actually getting any milk? has a good grip and sucks well. Any ideas.

http://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/board/topic/93068.html#fp - thread on smallest puppy

No more puppies, must have been the womb contracting down, mother and babies doing well

Puppies are now 10 days old. 6 are doing very well, but the smallest is still only 6oz her birth weight. Took her to the vets yesterday they have given her antibiotics said if no weight gain to have her put down next week. She has a good strong suck lovely shiney coat moves around the pen and is the loudest in the litter, so there must be something that can be done, I'm not giving up on her yet. Any ideas.

I once had one like this and gave up after two weeks.  couldnt have borne to drag it out any further once the eyes were open. :(

Puppy died last night, she put up a good fight. I know there must have been something physically wrong for her not to put on any weight. We tried everything so I know there wasn't anything else we could do.

Sorry to hear that. You gave her the best chance. Sleep well, little pup.

Sorry to hear that better now I guess than later.

My last 2 litters none of the after births came at the same time. The delivery was what I would term quite dry.  I actually ripped a few but most didn't come. Nature generally makes her pass them naturally. Generally in the garden when you have not been looking. :-)