The American Beagler Forum

I was wondering what causes runts in litters? Is it something lacking in utero ? If all the other fetuses get nourishment
from the mother how is it that one might not get enough?
Thanks for all input.
Margaret

My guess is, some wee ones might be genetically programed to be small, some throwback to a distant relative of small stature. Others may have a physical flaw, the growth thyroid not functioning or some other poor development of necessary organs . Some attache to a poor spot on the uterus wall, ie...scar tissued area of a previous placenta attachment from a prior litter , or a area of poor blood flow tissue of the uterus.
Some thrive and others never make anything, always sickly or die young.

S.R.Patch wrote:My guess is, some wee ones might be genetically programed to be small, some throwback to a distant relative of small stature. Others may have a physical flaw, the growth thyroid not functioning or some other poor development of necessary organs . Some attache to a poor spot on the uterus wall, ie...scar tissued area of a previous placenta attachment from a prior litter , or a area of poor blood flow tissue of the uterus.
Some thrive and others never make anything, always sickly or die young.

True.

There is simply no "one" answer to anything. In my own dogs, my runts usually seem to grow up to be the best overall animals, although in some cases the runts are just rejects. Many times, however (assuming no defects, just a smaller pup), the runt has to fight harder for everything and tends to grow up to be the pluckier, hardier, more determined animal.

Heck, come to think about it, my older brother is 6'5", my younger brother is 6'2", and I am only 5'10"




.

Just had a litter of pups and one came out about half the size as the others. I have watched this little guy fight for what he needs (mommy's milk) and now he is the same size as the two biggest pups. Not saying that he is going to be my pick, but I will keep my eye on him. The last litter I raised same scenerio and the "runt" is now 14 3/4-15' hound. You never know I guess.