In my local paper earlier this week there was a story from our zoo (and I am
not going to take a stand for or against zoos, that isn't the point of my
post).
The story was about an African wild dog, a bitch, who was delivered of four
puppies by cesarean section because otherwise she and her mate would have
eaten the pups, according to the story.  The operation was a sensation
locally, if not a success.  Only two of the pups survived the delivery,
leaving me to wonder how they would make it without their mother's colostrum
and milk.

Today's paper has a story about the wet nurse the vet found for them, with
pictures of them nursing.  Turns out a local dachshund, Stina, had
miscarried the day after the pups were born, after a totally unauthorized
mating earlier this winter, with a neighbor dachs.  Stina has never had live
puppies of her own and her owner thought she was past 'the change' long ago.
From the article:
"And Stina is a patient old lady.  She lies down conveniently and waits for
the pups to come and suckle.  That is, she didn't much want to at first.
'She has accepted the wet nurse task with some doubts.  Stina has an
uncommonly good disposition and she does what she's told.  We're very glad
of that', says the vet.
Nothing can compare with real dog colostrum.  Nature's own product remains
the best.  Stina will be at the vet's with the puppies for one or two weeks.
By then the puppies will be big enough to take formula and solids."

There is no mention in the article of what, if any, treatment the birth
bitch Mwaya is getting for possible engorgement.

Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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