[pekeman]

We have 2 puppies born (09/09/09) by Ceasarean section. Mum doesn't want to know them apart from feeding, which is a godsend. Female is 668 gms (23.5 ozs) Male is 818 gms (28.85 ozs).
Female is pooping fine... we are stimulating and massaging before each 6 hourly feed... but Male will only poop after given laxative (Microlax). He's also having oil of paraffin daily. Both on vets instructions.
He doesn't seem to have as good a sleep as his sister... always moving, but not crying at all. He also looks very fat compared to his sister.
Both pups have been wormed by vets prescription last weekend as they both had roundworms.
Vets now say we can do no more. Any suggestions form any kind souls?

[shazamataz]

The fat appearance could be due to the excess poop built up inside him, I am very surprised your vet has not suggested something other than just laxatives.

At 4 weeks old both puppies should well and truly be able to poop on their own without stimulation and should be eating solid foods.

I would suggest finding a better, more helpful vet.

[pekeman]

Would you know of any other alternatives? I suggested an enema last week and the vet (who performed the Caesarean) told me she would have to administer a general anaethestic! On a 3 week old Peke over my dead body.
I just think there's only so much Paraffin and Microlax I can put into the poor little fellow! I was thinking of having a scan tomorrow to see if the colon was blocked... also he did have roundworm but I can see no passing of worms in the little amount we're getting out of him.
And also... thanks for your response.

[shazamataz]

You are right, the Paraffin and laxatives should only be a temporary solution while the problem is being fixed...
Problem is you have no idea what the problem is.

I also agree that general anesthetic on a 3 week old peke would not have a good outcome... I have however heard of enemas being given to young puppies before.
I have never done so myself so cannot give you much advice on the matter but I do know that it has been done without anesthetic... perhaps it is something you could further discuss with your vet after the scan has been done (presuming you go ahead with it)

How long has he been eating solids for (if he has at all) I was thinking that perhaps a combination of solid food and the worms may have caused constipation? The worms may be causing the laxatives not to work if there are enough of them.

[pekeman]

He's only had solid food once a day since last Saturday (3 days)... it's a specialist biscuit blended with maternal (dog)powdered milk to create a porridge. I thought this may have moved him on. Definitely going for the scan tomorrow and will keep you posted. In the meantime we'll carry on Microlaxing him as at least we're getting something out. Agree with you on the worm problem... it's a matter of getting rid of them if he has a lot. I would have thought they would pass with what we're getting. Worried about an infection developing. The joys of loving our animals!

[shazamataz]

Haha yes, they are little joys sometimes :rolleyes:

I wish you luck, please let me know how you go at the vets, hopefully you have more luck than you did last time :)

[pekeman]

It was good to share the problem with someone... many thanks for your help... will let you know outcome. Tried more massage an hour before final feed of the day at midnight. No joy. Here's hoping for some answers tomorrow.

[pekeman]

Took the puppy to the vet this morning and had him x-rayed. No blockages / excess gas. Vet's happy with his condition and we have some puppy food (specialist pate type food) to help bring him on. Will only give laxative if hasn't pooed for 3 days and will continue with oil of paraffin once in the morning and once in the evening. I feel a lot happier now!

Kind regards,

James

[shazamataz]

Good news!

It was better to be safe than sorry with this one... a blockage could have ended very badly if left untreated.

Hopefully the poor little guy will get over his gassy problem soon and be a happy little pup :)