The American Beagler Forum

A female of mine currently has an infection from leftovers from the whelping of pups about 9 weeks ago. Her white blood cell count was at 15,000 2 weeks ago when we started her on some killer antibiotics and now it is still at 14,500. The doc says keep her on the drugs another 2 weeks but expect to have her fixed. This is not what I want at all. He seemed happy with her up to the point he did a swab and had fresh blood. Originally he said if her count was at 20,000 we would have to fix her but if it were lower we could probably take care of it with antibiotics. He also said normal is around 12,000. Does anyone know anything about this type of thing or possible a vet that has had excellent results with something similar? thanks, Paul

The infection will cause damage to the uterus. Dogs seem to be more susceptible to problems than humans in subsequent pregnancies. It sets them up for repeated infections and that is why bitches are usually spayed if they end up with a uterine infection. Sometimes what we want and what the dog wants are two different things and we have to come to terms with that. Do some research on net under uterine infection- canine or dog or postpartum infection. Might give you some help in deciding. Watch her closely for milk production. The antibiotics might effect the pups too. Carolyn