Thoughts on runt of the litter's symptoms? (outdoorschik)

Poor baby!  I would start by ruling out megaesophagus.  That was my first thought.

Aw, poor little baby.  I've no advise but am sending lots of good vibes and prayers.

 

Johnny&Tessy

Aw, poor little baby.  I've no advise but am sending lots of good vibes and prayers.

Thanks... I do think it is Meso-E, but a case that is not terrible since some meals go down. Here's hoping if the vet concurs that she improves with elevated meals, etc... poor little bugger, she is SUCH a love and the favorite of all the kids that have visited and met her and her littermates.

She's staying at the vet all day today for tests, I'll know more later but they are testing to see if it is her esophagus, etc. She is the cutest little thing, white with bright blue eyes. My fingers are crossed! I've seen it before in a pup from a rescue dog that came in pregnant. He recovered, is a bit stunted but eats normally and LOVES to pull the sled.

Good vibes for little bright eyes.  I hope they figure it out and she gets better soon. 

Best healthy thoughts coming from Arkansas for little bright eyes! 

My only experience with these symptoms was not good. I hesitate to share it, but make sure they pull bloodwork and check renal function, often. I really hope it is something that can be addressed. All my best hopes for a complete recovery.

Well it's not good news. She does have Meso-E and really bad penumonia (that second part shocked me as she has not been coughing, etc.) It's actually so bad they didn't want to give me too much hope since she's so little and told me she could pass away on her own over the weekend or if I she worsened (gasping for breath) I should have her put down at the e-vet. We've injected antibiotics and I have some home to inject + fluids here sub Q fluids as well. I'll be syringe feeding her over the weekend some canned AD and holding her vertical for 30 minutes after every meal. If we can get some strength back and fight the pneumonia she has half a chance. The second pup I'd had brought in this morning as a comparison shows signs, not of pneumonia, but of Meso-Esophagus as well.

rwbeagles

My only experience with these symptoms was not good. I hesitate to share it, but make sure they pull bloodwork and check renal function, often.

Yikes... what happened to your pup? They didn't pull blood work since she is so bad.

For any lurkers, this is a genetic disorder, all affected pups and relatives must be spayed and neutered.

Hero passed on after about 2 days with constant vet care and monitoring. I regret I did not let him go earlier because he did suffer (not Meso-E). Losing one so young is never easy. He was about 8 weeks old. 

I am very sorry this has come up for your pup/litter. I have no idea if there were future plans with the line but it would be devestating....you have all my good thoughts and wishes.

Thanks Gina, actually we rarely breed. typically our dogs come from rescue (working dog rescue or owner surender) or second chance (racing kennels, etc.). However, this litter was inentional, they would have been the future of the small intact population maintained in our kennel of the top genetics (most are altered, & apparently these are no longer top genetics!). Oh well, it causes quite an impact here, but our core purpose is rescue anyhow.

Just syringe fed her some canned food which she LOVED! hehe...only 12 mL. but keeping a little down will be better than regurgitating a lot. fingers crossed, pics to come.

outdoorschik

She does have Meso-E and really bad penumonia (that second part shocked me as she has not been coughing, etc.) It's actually so bad they didn't want to give me too much hope since she's so little 

Poor baby!!  A steam vaporizer may help with the pneumonia.  My brother had great results with a small kitten. 

Oh, I'm so sorry the little one is so sick! I'm sending tons of postive "get well" vibes your way. Glad the syringe feeding went well.

Well, this is challenging to say the least. They are both doing well... the one with penumonia is acting very perky which is a good sign, she's sleeping less too. I've done this with one before, and it was incredibly time consuming but with two, wow. Feed one, hold vertical for 30 minutes while feeding the other and keeping it vertical. Small meals like this at least every 4 hours. The one that is sicker actually has more weight on her which is great, the healthier one lung-wise just can't keep down the water and kibble. We've been experimenting with liquid, solid and mash to see what stays put best. So far, it seems keeping kibble solid with a little canned on it and water 20 minutes later is best... however that amounts to at least an hour of swaddling them to me at each feeding! Unfortunately even after all of that sometimes they regurgitate once back in their crate. I think I'll lose it if another of the litter shows symptoms. I did a photo shoot with them in the grass so you can all "meet" them digitally. Trying to remain positive.

 Ok this is a crazy idea, but what about using a baby sling/wrap to keep them upright yet let you do things at the same time?  You might even be able to sling one while you feed the other?

Seven Slings has a sale going right now that will get you a sling for free, just pay shipping.  The code is onefree. You might also be able to make one yourself from a long length of cloth.  Wrapping instructions here: http://www.wrapyourbaby.com/newborncarries.htm