Halo – A Tiny Mum’s Big Day

Name: Halo
Breed: Toy Poodle
Age/Sex: 2 years 3 months, Female (Spayed)
Weight: 2.15–3.0 kg

Halo came to us as a first-time mum-to-be. Over several visits, we followed her pregnancy journey, starting with ultrasounds and X-rays to track her pups’ development. Though she was bright, alert, and eating well, we noted that her mammary glands weren’t developing, and she had only minor colostrum production.

By mid-November, Halo began stage one labour—pacing, straining, and then vomiting. These are signs that something wasn’t quite right. When the radiographs revealed one pup lodged in the birth canal in an abnormal position, it became clear: Halo was experiencing dystocia—a birthing emergency.

A full check-up showed:

• 3 puppies (2 positioned cranially, 1 malpositioned)
• Mild dehydration, but glucose and calcium levels were normal
• Exhaustion and poor milk production—concerning signs
  
   

Dr. Adam West recommended an emergency C-section. Given the likely need for bottle-feeding, the family elected to proceed with a spay (ovariohysterectomy) during the same procedure to avoid future risk pregnancies.

Halo was placed under general anesthesia with:

• Propofol
• Local lidocaine block
• IV fluids (LRS) and temperature monitoring throughout

The team performed a long celiotomy and safely delivered three healthy pups, who were immediately cared for by our nursing team.

A special technique was used: smearing the pups with the removed uterus to preserve Halo’s scent and support bonding despite her low milk output.

✅ Diagnosed dystocia and delivered 3 healthy puppies via C-section
✅ Performed ovariohysterectomy to prevent future high-risk pregnancies
✅ Used olfactory transfer method to promote bonding
✅ Managed low lactation with proactive bottle-feeding
✅ Uncomplicated recovery with excellent surgical aftercare

🐾 Toy breeds can struggle with natural deliveries—know the signs of dystocia and act quickly
 🐾 First-time mums often produce little milk—be ready to step in with bottle feeding
 🐾 Discuss spaying during C-section if future breeding isn’t planned
 🐾 Look out for signs of eclampsia (muscle tremors, panting, restlessness) post-delivery
 🐾 Always plan ahead for birth—even the cutest pups can surprise us!

🎯 Sector 1: What Pet Owners Want to Know

1. What are the signs my dog is struggling to give birth?
    
2. Why didn’t Halo produce enough milk?
    
3. Can a dog recover well from a C-section?
    
4. Is it safe to spay during delivery?
    
5. How can I help with bottle-feeding puppies at home?
    

🌡 Sector 2: Medical Highlights

1. What made you decide a C-section was necessary?
    
2. How do you monitor such a small patient under anesthesia?
    
3. Why combine a spay with the C-section?
    
4. What role does oxytocin play after birth?
    
5. How do you ensure the pups bond with mum post-op?
    

🩺 Sector 3: Vet’s Community Message

1. What advice would you give to vets handling first-time mums?
    
2. How should owners prepare for potential birthing emergencies?
    
3. What are the risks of breeding toy dogs?
    
4. What did you learn from Halo’s case?

How can clinics better support owners with newborn care?