Puppies/kittens can be born head-first or tail-first and breach births are not a cause for concern like in humans or many other animals.
What if the pup/kitten is half out of the bitch/queen and gets stuck?
This usually occurs because a hip or knee has got caught on the edge of the pelvic bones. It is very painful for the mother and the pup/kitten's umbilical cord is compressed so it is not getting blood supply from the mother. The pup or kitten can die rapidly.
Management
If there is enough puppy or kitten to grasp apply firm steady traction of the baby so that the baby will end up on the mother's teats. Gently rotate a little side to side as this helps free the hips. If the puppy/kitten doesn't come then head to your nearest veterinarian.
What if the bitch/queen does not break the bag surrounding the pup/kitten?
Management
Some first time mums don't know what to do. If the bitch/queen does not clean her pup/kitten then break the membranes away from around the head and mouth. This is usually enough to stimulate breathing. Try to encourage the bitch/queen to help. If mum still isn't interested then remove all the membranes (do not cut the cord) and rub the pup/kitten dry with a towel or cloth. Be thorough and reasonably firm. This helps stimulate activity including breathing.
What if the puppy/kitten isn't breathing?
Management
Check for a heartbeat by placing thumb and forefinger each side of the newborn's chest just behind the elbow. If the heart is beating then clear the pup/kitten's mouth and nose by allow the head to drop down and cleaning them with a cotton bud. (Swinging the newborn is no longer recommended as it causes brain damage.) Rub the pup/kitten vigorously to stimulate breathing. You can also give the newborn mouth to face (where you breath into the mouth and nose) resuscitation but remember this is an extremely small animal and give only tiny buffs of air. Continue to stimulate the pup/kitten until either the heart stops or the newborn begins to breathe on its own.
What if the mother doesn't break the cord?
Management
Wait at least 2 minutes so that the blood in the placenta returns the pup/kitten. The cord may appear to start to shrink. Tie the cord off about half a centimetre from the pup/kitten's body with a piece of thread or fine string. Tie tightly and use a square knot. Cut the ends of the string short (no more than a centimetre long) so they can't tangle around the newborn's legs but not too short or the knot will come undone. Cut the cord about a centimetre away from the knot.
If the bitch/queen abandons the litter?
Management
New born pups or kittens need an ambient (air) temperature of 24 - 27°C to maintain their body temperature without their mother. It is a good idea to place hot water bottles or a big bottle of water in one part of the their box and have an area the pups/kittens can crawl to if they get too hot. The water temperature should not exceed 50°C. A heating light can also be used but again have a cool area in the box as well. Make sure the box is draft free and keep it very clean. You will need to feed and toilet the pups/kittens as above.
What if you find a cold but alive pup/kitten?
Management
Often an abandoned pup/kitten is unwell and will not survive whatever you do. The most important thing here is to warm the pup/kitten. Try to place it back with its mum but if she won't accept it warm it up by placing it against your own skin under your clothing. Once warm (this can take half an hour or more) try to feed it. You can warm the pup or kitten on a hot water bottle but it is easy to overheat them or warm them too fast.
Milk fever is a problem that occurs in many animals and for different reasons. In this case I am referring exclusively to dogs. In the dog it occurs due to lowered blood levels of available calcium prior to parturition (giving birth) and the weeks following when the bitch is feeding the pups. Most commonly it occurs in small dogs with large litters. The bitch produces a lot of milk, which is rich in calcium. She does not obtain enough calcium through her diet or by removing it her own bones to make up the deficiency. Her blood levels drop causing calcium to be pulled into the blood stream from her muscles. This then causes the muscle to contract uncontrollably - causing tremors to full convulsions (it also affects the muscles of the heart). It can be fatal if left untreated.
This is where the mammary glands or teats become infected.
The material in this site is provided for personal, non-commercial, educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company or product. About makes no representations and specifically disclaims all warranties, express, implied or statutory, regarding the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose of any material contained in this site. You should seek the advice of a professional regarding your particular situation.