| Now we'll look at how to treat a flaccid, weak or premature newborn, which is vastly different to a healthy, strong newborn. Hand rearing is obviously more successful if the pup is strong and vigorous. But that's not to say that a weak pup can't be saved.
If your pup or puppies aren't as strong or have not yet developed all their reflexes, I'd strongly recommend stomach tube feeding them in preference to the bottle, at least until they gain sufficient strength. It you have not stomach-tube fed a pup before, ask your vet to show you how to do it correctly. Stomach tube feeding can be a lifesaver. I always prefer to stomach tube sick or weak babies and have successfully done this on very little one-hour-old babies well as four-week-old sick puppies. Your vet will supply you with the correct tube and syringe, and both must be sterile. Place the puppy on a firm, flat surface, usually a tabletop. Obviously the puppy should be kept warm in the manner already stated. Measure the tube from the tip of the puppy's nose to the last rib. Mark the end nearest the nose. I use a thick black waterproof marker. Generally when I'm tube feeding, everything is prepared before I pick up the pup and the pup is laid down on a covered, warm hot water bottle. Hold the pup firmly but gently around the head with one hand and, with the other, take the tube and place it over the tongue. I don't worry about the syringe attached at the end at this stage. Of course the formula or solution is already in the syringe prior. For toy puppies, I've found that they can handle 1 ml to 1.5 l of fluid per feed. Bigger breeds can probably take 2 mls comfortably. Gently but firmly slide the tube over the tongue and ease it down the throat without force. If you feel you have an obstruction or if the pup coughs or isn't breathing normally, remove the tube and begin again. Have no fear if the pup is crying, since most do, and at least that way you know you haven't gone into the windpipe. Once you've reached the mark on the tube, hold it in place and try not to allow the pup to push it back out. With the other hand, gently press down the plunger of the syringe and gradually inject the formula or fluid. This should be done every two hours until the pups have regained strength and are able to suck from a bottle strongly. With weak or dehydrated pups, I prefer to give them Ringers solution in preference to formula. With chilled pups this is absolutely essential because their digestive tract would have temporarily shut down and formula would not be digested, so you're doing more harm than good. My recipe for Ringers solution is as follows... 50 mls cooled, boiled water 2 mls vitamin/mineral paste ¼ teaspoon glucose powder 6 drops brandy A couple of granules of salt Mix all together. This solution is excellent for hydrating puppies and is also very strengthening. Glucose is for energy and can correct or prevent hypoglycemia. The brandy is a heart stimulant and also helps circulation of the blood. The salt also aids in replacing lost body salt due to dehydration. I would suggest tubing this solution every two hours until the puppy or puppies are stronger. Use this instead of formula until the puppy is stronger and not dehydrated. Formula then can be replace this recipe. With weak puppies and very dehydrated pups, the quickest and safest method of rehydration is to inject subcutaneously (under the skin) intravenous fluids. These can be obtained from your vet and he can show you how to inject if you are not familiar with the procedure. Inject at different areas, only 1 ml at a time, up to 10 mls for Toy breeds in a 24 hour period. The results are excellent and I have done this many times. Remember, stomach fed formulas should be fed at body temperature, the same as bottle-feeding. Use the wrist method to decide what is the right temperature. If the puppies are strong, you may bottle feed warmed goat's milk or your chosen formula every two to three hours. Remember to test the temperature of the milk on your wrist. Use the underside of your wrist. It should feel lukewarm. And don't forget to burp the puppies after each feeding. If you can't obtain the Pets Own Milk, you can use goat's milk to which the same.................. |
 |