HI, MY BITCH WHELPED ON MONDAY EVENING, GIVING BIRTH TO A HEALTHY LITTER OF 6, HOWEVER, SHE HAS A FOUL SMELL AROUND HER BACK END AT THE MOMENT, THE VET WAS CALLED AS SHE WAS STRAINING FOR TWO HOURS WITH NO PUPPY, HE EXAMINED HER, SAID THERE WERE NO MORE IN THERE AND INJECTED HER WITH OXYTOCIN WHICH STOPPED CONTRACTIONS, NOW I AM WONDERING COULD THERE HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN AND STILL BE A DEAD PUP INSIDE THUS MAKING THIS FOUL SMELL?
ALSO, SHE IS BITING HER BACK LEGS A LOT, RESULTING IN CLUMPS OF HAIR AND RED RAW PATCH, I'M TAKING HER TO THE VET TOMORROW, BUT WOULDBE REALLY INTERESTED IN ANY SUGGESTIONS, PERHAPS SHE HAS A MINERAL DEFICIENCY?

DI

Hi Amber, I would be very concerened if she were mine. If there is any doubt about a retained pup, she should be x rayed. Oxytocin does not stop contractions, its supposed to encourage them.Most bitches will discharge for a while, and its a warm sweetish smell, but anything foul smelling is a sign of problems I afraid. Are you sure all the afterbirths were accounted for? I would get her back to the vets asap, and ask for n x ray. Imnot trying to scare you, but she could finish up very ill. Hope all goes well for you. Please let me know how you get on.

I would suspect some sort of uterine or vaginal infection if there is offensive discharge. I'd give her a clean with a little mild antiseptic and get the vet to have another look at her.
Lorna

phillipa, thanks for your concerns.
i took amber to the vets this morning, they x rayed her and luckily nothing was retained, she did infact have a urinery tract infection, and the bacteria was breeding in the feathers, they shaved her back legs (she looks a bit weird) and have given my some hibiscrub to use twice a day, along with cream and tablets which should clear it up pretty soon. i must say i have been so worried but am relieved that all is ok.
thanks for your support.
di

Hi amber, your welcome, and Im glad it turned out to be something more simple than it could have been. Good luck with mum and pups :D

Glad to hear she is Ok Amber, well apart from the infection. Keep us posted about puppies.
Pam :-)

Di,
I'm glad Amber's all right and congratulations with the pups.
Dot