Cutting cords

[YorkieRini]

Just curious as to everyones procedure to cutting umbilical cords..I use 100% cotton string..per my breeding book ...I'm curious to hear what others use and why.

[BamaFan121s]

I used dental floss! Sounds funny, but it is in a sterile container and works just as well!

[YorkieRini]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

I used dental floss! Sounds funny, but it is in a sterile container and works just as well!

I hope you don't recycle and reuse it..roflll..ok that was gross..lolol

[feminvstr]

I too use un-waxed dental floss, most sterile IMHO

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by YorkieRini

I hope you don't recycle and reuse it..roflll..ok that was gross..lolol

Why wouldn't I recycle...yeah, gross. Oh yeah, child's scissors too.

[whispersmom2]

Old nurse that I am, I clamp the cord and shred it with scissors..All sterilized. I find I have NO bleeding if I do it that way. When I have had to use suture material, I too, use unwaxed fine dental floss and the finest quilting needle if a small suture is needed for some reason...I am comfortable with this as is my vet. I do not recommend it is you are not experienced in these things. I am not suggesting you do it, either.

[YorkieRini]

Originally Posted by whispersmom2

Old nurse that I am, I clamp the cord and shred it with scissors..All sterilized. I find I have NO bleeding if I do it that way. When I have had to use suture material, I too, use unwaxed fine dental floss and the finest quilting needle if a small suture is needed for some reason...I am comfortable with this as is my vet. I do not recommend it is you are not experienced in these things. I am not suggesting you do it, either.

Rini,

Can you elborate on the clamping? With what? ..how long do you keep it clamped? Do you tie it off with something? Any other details but not about the stitching..lolol

[whispersmom2]

I do not have a set time I leave the clamp on. If a mom is in eminent danger of having another baby too soon after the previous one to clean it up. I use the same clamp that I do for dew claws. It is called a curved mosquito and is a small surgical instrument. I clamp atleast 1 inch from the baby's umbulicus. I keep puppy warm and roughly rub it to stimulate breathing. I sometimes swing the baby but only ONCE. No shaken baby injuries here. I use a small infants ear syringe to suction the baby. By the time this is done I hack at the cord between the clamp and the tummy and then, and ONLY then, do I tie. Usually I do not need to do that..This also gives me time to check for abnormalities such as cleft palate, limb deformities and umbilical hernias for some examples. Helping with the cord when a mom is having a hard time chewing it in half can help prevent the umbilical hernas that are caused by the mom's tugging so hard. JMO

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by whispersmom2

I sometimes swing the baby but only ONCE. No shaken baby injuries here.

Could you please elaborate? This is just not something I am familiar with, unless it is a terminology difference. I would like to know more about this. (Feel free to PM if you feel it is neccessary.)

[feminvstr]

Bama its done if there not breathing or roughly breathing, you swing them in effort to clear the lungs from the fluids.

[YorkieRini]

Originally Posted by feminvstr

Bama its done if there not breathing or roughly breathing, you swing them in effort to clear the lungs from the fluids.

Just curious. How long after the pups was born do you resort to this? I have not heard of this but would like to know..just incase..

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by feminvstr

Bama its done if there not breathing or roughly breathing, you swing them in effort to clear the lungs from the fluids.

Ah...that's kind of what I figured, just never heard it called that though. I think my mentor called it a 'forced extraction?' That may not be right, I would have to look in my notes to be sure. Thanks!!!

[feminvstr]

immediately!! if a pup is in destress!

Hold the puppy in a towel because the pup will be too slippery to grasp firmly with your hands.

Grasp the puppy FIRMLY NOT TIGHTLY in your hands with your thumbs behind the puppy's head/neck.

Hold the puppy above your head & swing gently downwards. Do not jerk, or swing fast. It should be a solid flowing movement.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by feminvstr

immediately!! if a pup is in destress!

Hold the puppy in a towel because the pup will be too slippery to grasp firmly with your hands.

Grasp the puppy FIRMLY NOT TIGHTLY in your hands with your thumbs behind the puppy's head/neck.

Hold the puppy above your head & swing gently downwards. Do not jerk, or swing fast. It should be a solid flowing movement.

Good information here. This would make sense sense it is similar to what is done w/ human babies.

[YorkieRini]

Originally Posted by feminvstr

immediately!! if a pup is in destress!

Hold the puppy in a towel because the pup will be too slippery to grasp firmly with your hands.

Grasp the puppy FIRMLY NOT TIGHTLY in your hands with your thumbs behind the puppy's head/neck.

Hold the puppy above your head & swing gently downwards. Do not jerk, or swing fast. It should be a solid flowing movement.

You don't have video by any chance..??..lolol.j/k..seriously, it does sould like it may help in a life or death situation.

Thanks.