Doe giving birth right now.

[kirstin]

My8 month old Holland Lop, Kaira, just gave birth to what I think is a fetal giant. It's about 4 inches long and it's dead. She's still hunched over in her cage. I looked on her vaginal area, and there's something else coming out, but it doesn't look much like a baby... I really hope this wasn't the only baby she had. Ugh. I hope she'll be okay.

And advice??

 

[tonyshuman]

Hi, best responses will be in the Rabbitry section right now. I can tell you that an old breeders' remedy to get labor going is to give the doe a Tums tablet--the calcium can stimulate contractions if they aren't happening correctly.

 

[RAL Rabbitry]

Have you palped the doe to see if there are any more babies in her? If there are you will be able to feel them. It could be a placenta but I doubt it they are pretty small.

It could be another fetal giant if she is hunched over and pushing that hard. Ususally when a doe kindles they come right out in a matter of a few minutes and the placenta is usually attached to the sack with the kit. If it is another fetal giant she may need a vet to assist with the delivery. I wouldn't let her push too long.

 

[kirstin]

It's a placenta. It's kinda big. Like an inch or so. I'll try to palpate her, just am afraid of hurting the poor thing.

 

[BlueGiants]

Did the placenta come out? Hollands are notorious for having birthing difficulties. Is this her first litter? Was she "on time" with the kindling? Was the buck much bigger than her?

You can also give her raspberry leaves if you have any. It helps the uterine horns contract and expel anything left over.

How is she now?

 

[RAL Rabbitry]

I would try but be fairly gentle. If there is another one in there that is big she may have a harder time with this one as her calcium and oxytocin levels might be lower after pushing that big kit out. She may need oral calcium or oxytocin from a vet.

 

[kirstin]

This is her second litter, and it's day 31. The buck was maybe a tiny bit bigger than her, but just about the same size. The placenta came out, and I'm pretty sure she ate it because it's gone.

Just seems to still be straining and still feels slightly heavy but it's hard to tell. I tried offering her tums and she didn't want them.

Ehhh.

She had like 3 or 4 fetal giants last time. I hope this isn't genetic...

 

[Jaded]

Any more babies?
This is her second litter of fetal giants right?

 

[kirstin]

Yes, this is the second one. And more babies yet... but I dunno. She may be having more.

 

[Jaded]

How is she? does she look like shes in pain?

 

[pamnock]

Can you gently palpate her? Another kit would feel rather hard and round. I agree with RAL rabbitry - if the doe remains hunched over and continues to push, she needs to be taken to a vet.

 

[kirstin]

I called a vet about half an hour ago and she said not to worry just yet and to give her sugar water to try and give her more energy.

 

[kirstin]

Here's the fetal giant...

 

[Pipp]

Was she a rabbit-savvy vet?

Rabbits give birth quickly, prolonged labor is a sign of distress.


sas

 

[kirstin]

She's worked with rabbits her life and specializes in them... so I'd say she's rabbit savvy.

I'm so confused.

 

[kirstin]

her whole life*

 

[Pipp]

In that case, as long as she's going to be available if you do need her, I'd trust the vet.


sas :clover:

 

[kirstin]

Sas..?

 

[BlueGiants]

Any changes?

 

[kirstin]

I said a prayer everyone... I bet it will all be okay. God is watching out for her.

ray: