Oh the trials of raising pups! If it's not car problems in route to a cropping appointment, well pumps going out at a time when water is most needed for frequent bedding changes or a few other unmentionables left where they belong in the back of the memory box, it's something else. With ears cropped according to schedule yesterday the pups, five of them, were slated to move in with their new families today... unfortunately, they as a group failed to received their health certs! A first for me. I received a call from the clinic mid-day, which I appreciated, informing me they had isolated coccidia in the routine float and questioned whether or not I had the appropriate meds in house to treat. Of course I didn't because fortunately, like I said, this is a first for me. But I knew what was coming next. A need to treat the infection and return for a recheck. All puppy parents know this by now of course but for the ghost readers out there, in keeping with transparency, which I think is important... that's what's up with the litter. Sounds horrible... and most breeders would agree a PITA! It's hardly an uncommon occurrence in pups but certainly one that needs to be dealt with. In speaking with fellow breeders, apparently many simply treat all pups prophylactically. Something to consider and something I'll discuss with my Vet for future litters. The organism lives in and thrives in the ground and is reportedly next to impossible to kill. Also apparently, from what I read most if not all dogs as well as a handful of other animals harbor the organism but adults for the most part remain asymptomatic. It's suspect in pups and kittens who suffer from diarrhea or loose stools. Another condition that's certainly not uncommon in pups.
Anyway, at the end of the day, I had to make some disappointing calls and inform those who had planned to collect their pups today that it was a no go. Some had rearranged work schedules for the event, others had long drives that had to be planned in advance. And all, of course, were looking forward to acclimating their new family member to their homes. With the news, my apologies too were offered. But... health first. And once again, I find myself drawing on my nursing skills with nine pups to treat for infection as well as administering the standard post procedural meds to the five pups who were cropped. While it's slightly different administering drugs to pups than it is to people, the whole process certainly brings back the memories. Schedules, weight based dosage, calculations etc. all very familiar. With a background in healthcare I'm usually pretty quick to pick up on things that "just don't seem right" were health is concerned. Lot's of experience with that sort of thing. The pups have suffered from intermittent loose stools but as previously mentioned, that in and of itself isn't what I would consider uncommon. Quite common actually and most definitely not a medical emergency. If they had not been otherwise happy and active pups maybe I would have known prior to the implementation of the microscope and a delay could have been prevented. A delay rather than obviously sick pups though is certainly my preference. Pretty sure all puppy parents would agree. Tomorrow we welcome those who want to come visit their pups to break up the wait. A couple will make the trip... most will hold off until Monday with the hope a clean bill of health is granted. Following the recheck Monday, if we get the green light, I can only assume the pups going for crop Tuesday will get a green light too! Updates and hopefully some decent photos of the cone-heads to follow. I wish it would warm up! We're all missing our outside time! Probably no one more than me.
Anyway, at the end of the day, I had to make some disappointing calls and inform those who had planned to collect their pups today that it was a no go. Some had rearranged work schedules for the event, others had long drives that had to be planned in advance. And all, of course, were looking forward to acclimating their new family member to their homes. With the news, my apologies too were offered. But... health first. And once again, I find myself drawing on my nursing skills with nine pups to treat for infection as well as administering the standard post procedural meds to the five pups who were cropped. While it's slightly different administering drugs to pups than it is to people, the whole process certainly brings back the memories. Schedules, weight based dosage, calculations etc. all very familiar. With a background in healthcare I'm usually pretty quick to pick up on things that "just don't seem right" were health is concerned. Lot's of experience with that sort of thing. The pups have suffered from intermittent loose stools but as previously mentioned, that in and of itself isn't what I would consider uncommon. Quite common actually and most definitely not a medical emergency. If they had not been otherwise happy and active pups maybe I would have known prior to the implementation of the microscope and a delay could have been prevented. A delay rather than obviously sick pups though is certainly my preference. Pretty sure all puppy parents would agree. Tomorrow we welcome those who want to come visit their pups to break up the wait. A couple will make the trip... most will hold off until Monday with the hope a clean bill of health is granted. Following the recheck Monday, if we get the green light, I can only assume the pups going for crop Tuesday will get a green light too! Updates and hopefully some decent photos of the cone-heads to follow. I wish it would warm up! We're all missing our outside time! Probably no one more than me.
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