The Pup Nurses: We Have Milk Let-Down!

Dr. Otero called to check on progress. We think the panting results from postsurgical discomfort. Tutti was given a short acting pain injection after surgery yesterday. It’s really tricky with a whelp so small to add pain medication to the dam’s system. Dr. O advices we give Tutti a short dose of oxytocin to facilitate milk let-down. The flat muscle uterine contractions will also facilitate a return to normal for Tutti. Tutti received a middling dose of oxytocin after surgery yesterday. But I think her discomfort last night effected milk production. It’s critical that the pup nurses these first two days so that she will be covered by the dam’s immunity. Brad is on his way to pick up the dose.

Intramuscular injection in hind leg. Brad assisted me and gave an involuntary twitch when I inserted the needle. I’m not very practiced but I did a good enough job. Tutti is resting on her side, the puppy has just finished nursing on the favorite teat which indeed has milk. I can see a creamy white ring rimming the pink sucker-tongue.

I’m sitting on the outside of the whelping box with my hand draped on Tutti’s side. She’s passing gas. Pew-eee! This is world class, run-you-out-of-the-room stinky. But this is good news because it shows that the intestinal track is working. She has not evacuated her bowels yet.

Pat called to check on the family. “Zero Odor,” she says, to eliminate the smell. At Bed Bath & Beyond. It doesn’t leave a sickly perfume covering scent. Yes, that product and a gas mask will make it possible to stay in the same room with the stench producing offender. .