? about runt puppy - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Ithinkblue · 01-04-2008, 08:32 AM

Hi, I'm brand new to the boards and have a concern. My Yorkie had her first batch of puppies, they are 28 days old today. When they were born the sizes were BIG, medium and tiny. They have all gained weight, tripled in size, and the first two (boys) are now about the same size. The little girl is about 3/4 their size. The boys just seem to be much more developed, they move around more, eat better, and are now starting to rough house a little. Even though my little runt does go in and out of the kennel and eats a little bit of puppy mush, she is shaky, not as sure on her feet (doesn't stand as well), sleeps a lot more, does not play. It worries me a little, she is nursing well and Riley, the mom, is a good mom. Can there be a preemie puppy in a full term litter? Is this normal for a runt? I'm sure you can tell I'm very new to this puppy thing and want to make sure I'm doing everything right.

YorkieRose · 01-04-2008, 09:13 AM

They are 4 weeks...which is not usual to be unsteady and still sleeping a lot. Since you say she is quite a bit smaller and acting different, I would watch her and make sure the bigger ones do not tire her out...it can be alot of stress and cause problems. Make sure she eats well, give her Nutra-Cal, keep her warm...and as she grows watch for anything that does not seem normal...I would not promise her or place her for several months until you are sure.
She may well be perfectly fine and just need extra care...if she gets to 8 weeks and is still acting the same, I would be more concerned and a possible shunt or other problem.

01-04-2008, 08:32 AM	#1
Ithinkblue YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 3	? about runt puppy Hi, I'm brand new to the boards and have a concern. My Yorkie had her first batch of puppies, they are 28 days old today. When they were born the sizes were BIG, medium and tiny. They have all gained weight, tripled in size, and the first two (boys) are now about the same size. The little girl is about 3/4 their size. The boys just seem to be much more developed, they move around more, eat better, and are now starting to rough house a little. Even though my little runt does go in and out of the kennel and eats a little bit of puppy mush, she is shaky, not as sure on her feet (doesn't stand as well), sleeps a lot more, does not play. It worries me a little, she is nursing well and Riley, the mom, is a good mom. Can there be a preemie puppy in a full term litter? Is this normal for a runt? I'm sure you can tell I'm very new to this puppy thing and want to make sure I'm doing everything right.

01-04-2008, 09:13 AM	#2
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	puppy They are 4 weeks...which is not usual to be unsteady and still sleeping a lot. Since you say she is quite a bit smaller and acting different, I would watch her and make sure the bigger ones do not tire her out...it can be alot of stress and cause problems. Make sure she eats well, give her Nutra-Cal, keep her warm...and as she grows watch for anything that does not seem normal...I would not promise her or place her for several months until you are sure. She may well be perfectly fine and just need extra care...if she gets to 8 weeks and is still acting the same, I would be more concerned and a possible shunt or other problem.