Jack Russell Appy receives a helping hand to deliver her pups

Appy, a 4 year old Jack Russell, came to see us on a long weekend as she was heavily pregnant. It was thought that she had been in labour for 2 days without producing any puppies. Although Appy was tired and sore, she was in remarkably good health. On examination, we could feel that the first puppy was presenting with its head turned backwards.

After the examination and chatting to her owners, we decided that Appy was to go straight into surgery for a caesarean. We were planning to desex her at the same time, as her owners did not want any further litters.

During surgery, it was found that there were 3 puppies in total. Unfortunately the first puppy was still born. The other two had very slow heart rates and were not a healthy pink colour! Our amazing nurses took over the care of the puppies and after improving their circulation, breathing and heart rates, placed them in our humidie-crib to keep a close eye on them.

After surgery, the 2 puppies, a boy and a girl, had a good feed from Appy. She instantly took over the care of her puppies.

Appy was discharged from hospital with her pups the following day. She is a great mum and the puppies have put on lots of weight and are thriving!