Hello all,

I just received some surprising news from my vet today. When she checked my pregnant SP's xray, she discovered 12 little heads, as opposed to the 7 she saw on the ultrasound. They seemed to be well-positioned, and pretty evenly distributed. This is my girl's first litter (and mine too!) and I'm hoping that some of you can share your advice and strategies for whelping and caring for such a large litter. Also, any ideas on how to mark them? She's due next Friday (2/22/02). Any thoughts? Advice? Offers to come visit?

Many thanks in advance, Cathy & the ever-enlarging Stella

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2002

Answers

Do you have an experienced dog breeder of any breed living near you? If you do they could come and help you. Can you afford the price of a good vet to come at the births? Otherwise read some good books from your library about breeding. Have a big whelping box in a warm area.If outside kennel should be heated. Sterilized scissors,lots of very clean towels. Glucose and water for your bitch to drink,everything very clean. Standard Poodles usually have easy births,but have a mobile phone near by in case you have to call the vet. Give the bitch encouragement as she pushes,the puppy will appear in a transparent sack, your gently remove that wipe the face nostrils of puppy,cut the cord not too close to the belly button leave a little length,and place at the mothers mouth,she will lick it,and as she pushes,place pup near her on clean towel,then continue on,make certain she does'nt roll on pups. I have helped a puppy out gently from her body and it was apreciated by her. Sometimes the bitch has a break,but if she seems very distressed get the vet. The bitch does eat the afterbirth,it is supposed to have special vitemans that help the milk....I don't know if that is still done. Keeping 12 puppies will be a real handful for you,and you will have to handmilk for there are only eight teats,your vet will tell you what milk to use(I used to mix up powered goats milk) which is closer to a bitches milk than cows. Keep everything very clean. If you need more advise just e-mail me. Heather.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2002