[Gaz_Alexander]

4 day old Parson is not nursing from the mother, she started well on the teat during the first 24 hours however the pup now seems to of lost interest in nursing, doesent seem to want to latch onto the teat though she does climb like she wants too at times. I have seen her on there say 3 times in the last 48 hours but this was for only a few minutes at a time, I have read about the faders syndrome but the only problem were having is the feed. She does always snuggle with the other pups and mother and push's into them as and when she does so.

Have been trying to bottle feed her every 2 hours or if she wakes and starts moving around before (she does have plenty energy but only in short bursts before falling back to sleep) on the bottle she sometimes really gos for it like sucking and taking it down well but a majority of today she seems to fall asleep every couple of minutes. We try to stimulate her while trying to feed but she appears to drift in and out. We always warm her up before and during her feed.

I feel absolutely heart broken, 5 of the pups are really well and growing fast, the one in question although appears to be getting bigger there is a significant difference in size though she does have a belly. Were just struggling to feed even on the bottle now. Im hoping if she makes it through the next couple of nights, we can keep our fingers crossed for another week.

Just feeling really down about it, any thoughts or sim experiances, even advice would be good right about now.

[tickle]

Could he possibly be the runt of the litter. The last one born. Usually there isn't much of a chance for them unless there is breeder invention, that is to say, a breeder who has the resources to give the little thing a kick start on feeders that are properly nutritioned and taste a little better to them.

If you are doing your best, that is all you can do. You can't force feed because that would defeat the purpose and may block him up. You say you are stimulating after feeding, which simulates the licking process from mom after a feed so the pup will eliminate. That is exactly what I used to do too.

Do you think a call to the vet may be in order; I can't say a visit because four days is a little too young to travel.

I used to do what you are doing, and you seem to know what you are doing for him, so I really can't give any outstanding advice but only wait and see.

Best of luck

Tick

[Aurora_Bell]

I don't have much more to add, except to ask that mom is stimulating the rears right?

Some vets may be able to make a house call, and I know it's pricey, but it's definitely something you can consider, and in my eyes would be well worth it.

Best of luck!

We love pictures! :)