Pug in pup

[squashpoppy]

I have them until Tuesday at the moment. I have a huge dilema, I just checked the tiny one's mouth as I found an old post on cleft palates. He has the tiniest soft palate cleft, the owner wants me to let him die but I know I 'could' tube feed him (i'm a nurse) and it could either close on it's own or have surgery when he's older.

I feel so responsible, I could just go and get the tubing and do it, heck i'd keep him ad get him neutered if he survived but is it the RIGHT thing to do?

The others palates are all ok and they seem to be doing well, guess I should weigh them to find out if they are getting enough milk. That can be my next job!

[pugsandkids]

I don't know the best answer for the cleft one! I think its just an individual decision. Your friend really did not have a clue huh? Well, thats how we learn I guess. Bless you for doing such a great job. I hope you have them for a while and we get more pics!

[Nutter]

I'm nominating you for pugsitter of the year. Thank you for helping this girl and her babies.

[Georgia Pug]

This is coming from the heart, not from knowledge...
my heart says please don't let him die. I have been
praying for him all morning. I hope someone will
answer from knowledge.

[squashpoppy]

I've just spoken to Almandine, she is an absolute godsend! I have decided after spesking to her that I will watch and wait. He has lost 12g since yesterday(o.5oz) (the other 4 pups gained), but he is waking for feeds and is sleeping peacefully in between them. I will continue to feed him hourly until he either improves enough to return to mom or he deteriorates and is suffering. I hope it's the right thing to do.

[Georgia Pug]

I've just spoken to Almandine, she is an absolute godsend! I have decided after spesking to her that I will watch and wait. He has lost 12g since yesterday(o.5oz) (the other 4 pups gained), but he is waking for feeds and is sleeping peacefully in between them. I will continue to feed him hourly until he either improves enough to return to mom or he deteriorates and is suffering. I hope it's the right thing to do.

Thank you from my heart

[pugsandkids]

I've just spoken to Almandine, she is an absolute godsend! I have decided after spesking to her that I will watch and wait. He has lost 12g since yesterday(o.5oz) (the other 4 pups gained), but he is waking for feeds and is sleeping peacefully in between them. I will continue to feed him hourly until he either improves enough to return to mom or he deteriorates and is suffering. I hope it's the right thing to do.

I'm so grateful that you aren't going to just "let him die" I'll be sending you healthy thoughts across the pond!

[Snifter]

Good luck. This could be so heartbreaking for you.

Are you tube feeding or just using the syringe? Is the milk coming back through his nostrils or is he keeping it down?

If the cleft is very small perhaps he can survive and have surgery later to fix it.

If it were me I would certainly not just "let him die" as the owner suggested. I would at least take him to the vet and make it quick for the little scrap.

Hugs to you. I am so glad you have been able to make contact with Almandine. She bred my little Toddy and you could not wish for a more caring breeder.

[jag]

that little momma was meant to come visit you, congradulations on a job well done big hugs to you...

[squashpoppy]

He is taking it from a syringe at the moment, a tiny bit is bubbling through his right nostril but he is not showing any signs of respiratory distress, he is not crying until his feed is due and he is sleeping contentedly between feeds.

He does not 'gag' when feeding either and he is keeping it down. I guess it's a kind of sink or swim situation. I know it may sound callous but if I thought for one minute he was suffering I would not hesitate in taking him to the vet. I don't want him to end up like my Pearl and have a miserable first year then die anyway.

On a positive note the little girl has gained 14g (approx 0.5oz) and the others have all made good gains too. It is definately worth staying up with them, I also rationally know that no-one ever died from sleep deprivation!!!