Puppies & questions....? - Page 1

I have a few questions....how much drainage should the new mom have? I know with humans it can last awhile and is classified as rubra (bright blood), serosa (pinkish stuff), and alba (white to clear- it's been a long time since I worked OB, so there's much I've forgotten....) How long do dogs have each type of discharge and for how long?? And when should I worry ??? Kali's has changed to the pinkish stuff (a lot), occassionally streaked with bright blood (not a lot), after nursing she often jumps out of the box and does an intense self clean, then wants to go out, stools soft, but normal colored. She seems to finally be getting her appetite back, drinking well, temp 101.5....all seems well; except that she prefers my company to that of her pups. She's being a good mom, pups fat, squeaky, clean; the biggest is 1 lb 13 3/4 oz, the smallest(the last little lady) 1 lb 2 7/8 oz; everyone gains every day. But Kali seems sad. Her coat & eyes are shiney, but....I can't quite put my finger on it. I have to tell her to go get in the box, then she acts as if she's being punished. We have fussed and fawned over both her and the puppies, told her what a good girl she is, yet she leans up against me & sighs, and turns her head away, which is unusual for her, usually she's being naughty & nuzzling us for petting....I am going to talk to my vet tomorrow, and if I had any clinical signs of something being wrong, I would call the Emergency vet today....but I really can't think of anything that seems out of the norm, except for these vague behaviour changes. Any one have any ideas?  jh btw, here's the whole bunch, taken on Friday! jh

This discharge can last a while, her mood changes are not rare either.   Maybe you fuss too much and should let her be herself.   The only worry would be an infection and you would see more severe symptoms if that happens.

Consult your vet but dont worry so much.

the discharge lasts for 6-8 weeks and changes colors....... think you may be worrying to death..

Let her spend time with you if she wants, all my girls get their play session every day  .. she needs to get out and stretch her legs too .. get some fresh air, release a little pent up energy.. 

how old are these pups, can't be more than a week or so.. is this her first litter??  Is she the one not wanting to eat??

The fawning and fussing probably doesn't help her...... if you want to be with her, take a nap in the room she is in and let everything be calm and relaxed....hopefully she'll settle down

You worked OB?? didn't you ever see a human mom be a little down, not know what to do, decide she really doesn't want to do this after all???? Remember the humans know why they did it in the first place, our dogs not so much.... I don't mean to sound cavalier, just trying to get you to relax

Keep checking the vital signs to make sure everything is ok

good luck

Yes, I am probably over anxious...no, this is not the same bitch as in 'mommy won't eat'.......but it is both the bitch & my first litter. Sure, you see these things in people, but I am cautious about projecting too many human characteristics on my dog. As I said, I can't pin down what seems wrong, and I do trust my gut....but we BOTH may just be tired....oh, pups were born 3/5/08...and thanks, it helps to know the time frame for some of the transitions she'll go through. Just knowing moodiness is not uncommon helps; that may be all it is! I pester my vet a lot, but fortunately she shares my view that the only dumb question is the one you don't ask....! Thanks again. jh 

Sorry, I get all the threads mixed up... and it's ok to be aware and observant and watchful.. people accuse me of "looking for trouble"......

If you are not comfortable then tomorrow I'd get her in to see your vet, just to satisfy yourself....

in addition to what the others have said (get lots of fluids in her )the more she drinks the better!! a glass of wine for u and whatever u can get her to drink.try to relax and enjoy what u r witnessing.good luck.

As long as her temp is within normal limits, (2x day) she's eating and drinking water,  don't worry yourself too death. Sounds pretty normal to me.

SS

I assume you accounted for ALL the placentas, right? They're the most likely source of infection if one is brewing, which I doubt from what you describe.

As you know, nursing stimulates uterine contractions, which help the uterus shrink, and will also cause it to expell more discharge, so not surprising she needs a clean-up session after nursing her babies.