I just had a litter of pups. One died from a cleft pallet. I have been crying for two days.

On December 18th I had a litter of 4 Miniature Pinscher puppies. Three very healthy, and the first runt I have ever had in my life. I noticed the first day he was in distress. He weighted 2 1/2 ozs. I began tube feeding adding a little Nutri Cal to his formula. I Live in a Very small town with not allot of help from Vets to be honest the Vets here leave allot to be desired. Anyway, I tube fed him for 10 days, Using the measurements on the can of Esebilac to insure I was feeding the proper amount for his weight He seemed to be coming along quite well, gaining weight, moving around more. He did lose his desire to suck, I figured I was just keeping his little belly full, and was willing to continue tube feeding until he was weaned if needed. I listened to his chest all of the time (I am so afraid of Pneumonia) he showed no signs. His bowels looked fine. He seemed fine. Yesterday I woke up and he was dead. I could not figure out what I did wrong. I inspected this puppy from top to bottom, something I should have done from the start and found that he had what I think is a Cleft Pallet. Could this alone kill him? At first I thought I might have injured him with the feeding tube, but my Vet said that was impossible as the tube was so soft and flexible. Can you describe to me or send me a picture of what a cleft pallet looks like? He had no outward signs of a Cleft Pallet, but the inside was awful. I have cried for 2 days wondering what else I could have done to save this tiny puppy. I have two champion Miniature Pinschers I raise very healthy puppies and have most of them homes before they are born, But this one encounter has put me out of the puppy raising business. I am simply too soft hearted. In the past, I have raised Siberian Huskies, Basset Hounds and Min Pins and this is the first puppy I have ever lost.

Thank you very much
Tina J. Bryant

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