Expert: Marie Peppers / The Boston Terrier Lady - 7/25/2009

Question
Our 3 yr old female gave birth to 6 boston puppies just 3 days ago.  One of the pups has a cleft lip which has made feeding difficult.  I don't believe he's able to get good enough suction to feed off the mother but we've kept letting him try anyway.  As a supplement, we've been attempting to feed him with a baby bottle and syringe. However, this has only come with limited success.  It looks as if the replacement milk keeps getting into his nose which causes the pup to stop feeding and slightly choke.  We are worried if we continue with our feeding method he may choke but if we don't and rely only on feeding from the mother he might not get the amount of food and nutrients he needs to survive.  The other pups have already grown 2 ounces and our little cleft pup has not grown any.  Any advice is greatly appreciated.  Thank you very much.

Answer
Zac - Hi - I need you to bring this pup to the vet - they can see if he is getting fluids into his lungs.... They can also show you how to tube feed him ..... this tube will go down the nose and to the belly - You would tube feed him every 3 hrs.
In the near future, you may be able to syringe feed.  
Only the vet can tell you what is going on.
Give this pup a chance and see the vet ASAP....Please


Good luck - let me know what the vet says...
My private e-mail:
mtnmom@gci.net


Marie Peppers LPN MA

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