Stevie's Blog

Stevie's Pregnancy Diary 9-25-07

Stevie on My Blog - Tue, September 25 2007

Bad news...we lost a puppy last this morning to quick onset pneumonia (most likely...necropsy hasn't yet been performed, not that it will tell us much anyway). He was doing great and nursing fine until about 10pm last night when he didn't want to eat much. He woke me up at 3:00am whining (whining puppies are not good...unless they've just been born!). He was open mouth breathing--like dogs do when they are in heart failure. I took him to the emergency vet where they checked his sugar and hydration...everything was good. They also thought he might have pnemonia.

So, this morning he was still having trouble breathing and not wanting to nurse--because he couldn't shut his mouth to suck. I drove him to Allisonville Animal Hospital at 10ish and right when I got off I-465, he squealed...so I check him and he had stopped breathing.

So, here I am driving the last 2 minutes to my vet and doing mouth to mouth on a puppy on Allisonville Road. I was unsucessful and neither was Dr. Short when we arrived. He vomited and also spit up blood, which indicates inflammation of the lungs--aka pnemonia. Dr. Short will perform a necropsy just to see if he had any congential problems, such as a liver shunt, heart issues, etc...and we were SO close to our 2 week mark!!!

The cause is unknown, but it's common, especially in toy breeds with large litters. Oddly enough, he was the biggest, most mature puppy at delivery. The last 48 hours, I noticed he was not gaining weight (not loosing either), but the other puppies were rapidly changing into "dogs"...and he just wasn't.

That's how quick it can happen--just fine and then 8 hours later, he's gone.

So, if you are thinking of breeding and you don't think you could handle a situation like this, then rethink your decision please. Fading puppy Syndrome is quite common (something like 25% of litters) and the cause is usually unknown and treatment is unlikely to work.

Charlie on Sep 25 at 01:28 PM

oh my eyes are leaking that is so sad i am so sorry

Mama Muttblood^..^ on Sep 25 at 02:20 PM

Oh, I'm so sorry you lost the little guy. What a good human mom you are. Does Stevie notice that he is gone? I know that sounds like a stupid question, and I think the answer is yes, but I have never had that happen before, and wondered if her behavior was any different after you took him and came back without him. She undoubtedly knew he was sick. Did she worry around with him and try to get him to nurse before he started looking so bad?

Stevie on Sep 25 at 02:25 PM

Yes...Stevie did know that there was something wrong with the puppy. Last night, I had him separated from her so that I could easily feed him...she was whining in her cage with the other pups...she knew something was wrong. And, when she would try to clean him, he wouldn't urinate/deficate like normal and she acted like she didn't know what to do. The ONLY good thing is that this means more milk for the other puppies and they should be stronger since there is less competition. I just hope all 4 remaining continue to do as well as they are!!

♥Nemo♥ on Sep 25 at 02:42 PM

Oh poor little guy!! Sorry!

Beverly on Sep 25 at 03:49 PM

I'm sorry to hear this. My parents bred our cocker spaniel when I was little. We lost one of the puppies and I remember how heart-breaking it was. I do hope your posts deter inexperienced people from breeding their pet. It's a really big committment and responsibility!

Rowdy on Sep 25 at 03:57 PM

Oh that is so furry sad. My eyes are leaking for the poor little guy - you and Stevie too. So far my bean brother's puppies are doing well. My paws are crossed that they continue to do so.

Jasmine on Sep 25 at 04:23 PM

aww so sorry to hear about the little guy :( We'll keep you all in our thoughts and hope the others do well!

Daisy on Sep 25 at 05:35 PM

: *(

Kirby on Sep 25 at 05:39 PM

Well, shoot. I'm so glad that you're posting the good and the bad, though. People just don't understand what it takes to breed their dog. It's not always cute. I'm sorry you lost the little guy...

Bo on Sep 25 at 06:37 PM

Sorry to hear of your loss.Hope all goes well with the other pups!!

♥Zoe♥ on Oct 05 at 07:20 AM

I can't believe I missed this post. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how well you were taking care of the pups. I hope all goes well with the rest of them. You are in our thoughts...

What you need to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Boarding
Exercise
Hospitals
Food
Groomers

Sitters
Supplies
Mortuaries
Trainers
Vets

IndyPaws.com is proud to be partnered with Indiana Proactive Animal Welfare to bring you a wealth of pet care, health, and adoption information.
Visit Indiana Proactive Animal Welfare

Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights, updated August, 2006.