nursing dog

Question
QUESTION: My dog gave birth 9 days ago. Vet checked her out and everything was good now we are getting small amounts of discharge that is brighter in red then the normal lochia. Her temp is only .5 to 1 deg f high and she seems good. Do we worry because we do not trust this vet for the vet is strongly against raw diets

ANSWER: Hi Paul,
The first few days after delivering their will be a bright red watery discharge as the uterus reduces in size. During following weeks, this becomes a brownish red.
You did not mention what her temperature is, if it above 102.8 this could be sign of uterine infection. Is there odor or pus? If so, then she needs to be seen by a doctor.
Is her appetite strong? Are the pups seeming alert and nursing? Birth takes a lot out of an animal just like a person. If the lochia and placenta is healthy she should be allowed to ingest it if she tries as its nutrient rich.
I would call your vet and mention your concerns, tell him the temperature, just because s/he doesn't like raw diet doesn't mean s/he isn't knowledgeable about postpartum
Maybe you can shop around for another vet if you aren't happy?
It is quite understandable with the conditions of poor suffering livestock and factory farms, transport of flesh, are loaded with bacteria and parasites as to why your vet does not like raw food. Things like Campylobacter are found in raw meat and is contagious. It could become serious, too. I believe each animal is different, some will thrive on raw, others need a cooked natural diet. every diet has a risk, some have less health issues down the line, some are pure garbage like commercial diets.
We cant make a blanket statement and say raw is good for all animals. Again, I have known of many to thrive and some that got very very ill. Dry and canned food is NOT the answer to that. It would be cooked naturally balanced diet. I personally think each animal's constitution should be taken into account before we cook for them or before we give raw diet.

Good luck with the pups and ever so gentle wishes for the new mom (pups, too)

Shanti

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you so much, you are kind, intelligent anfd thoughtful..her temperature switches between high normal, normal, and 0.5 -1.0 degrees fairenheit above. out of about 6 temperature checks over 2 days  she seems really good and when i taked her out for walks she acts like a puppy looking for bunnies and such....there seems to be no odur but about 7 times now over the 9 days since birth there has been this bright red discharge from here vagina..most of the time it is the lochia STUFF THATS BROWNISH RED...AND WHEN ITS RED ITS ALWEAYS A SMALL AMOUNT    THANK YOU AGAIN, YOUR VERY KIND
RUBY ANN

Answer
Hi Ruby Ann and Paul,

Thank you so very much for your kind words and your sweet email!
I am very concerned that her temperature goes above normal. Do you mean it goes to 103 degrees F? This would be a sign of infection.  Please call the vet and let him/her know about the temperature fluctuations and the bright red discharge. The temperature elevation above normal accompanied with the bits of bright red can certainly be a sign of uterine infection. It's best to be safe to keep her and the pups healthy.

Here is a link that may give you some information:
http://www.hilltopanimalhospital.com/whelping2.htm

Be sure to supplement her diet with things like calcium and feed her extra too, several times daily.
Good luck!
Shanti