Happy 7th Birthday Delilah!!
Delilah, a petite but spunky Chihuahua, was born at Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic seven years ago today!
Delilah’s mother, Coco, a Chihuahua from Wawa, had given birth to three pups the day before. Her owner called us concerned because x-rays taken earlier had indicated there should be four puppies.
By the time Coco and her family reached Sault Ste. Marie, after driving from Wawa through the snow, we doubted the last puppy would be alive. We were thrilled, however, to detect a fetal heartbeat with ultrasound so we rushed Coco to surgery to perform a Cesarian Section.
We quickly delivered a female puppy but were dismayed to find she was not breathing or moving – her little gums and nose were an awful shade of blue. We attempted to clear her airways, give her oxygen, and stimulate her to start breathing. Just when we thought it was hopeless, she made a couple of little gasps. Delighted, we continued our efforts only to find copious amount of brown fluid coming from her mouth and nose – she had swallowed meconium (amniotic fluid contaminated with fecal material). Again, we cleared her airways as best we could…and hoped for the best.
The next morning, the little puppy was still alive, but we warned her owner we were doubtful she would survive. She had suffered significant lack of oxygen and she would be at a high risk of developing pneumonia from the meconium. Coco, her owner and her puppies headed back to Wawa to hope for the best.
A few weeks later, Coco’s owner sent us a picture of her nursing her four puppies – yes FOUR puppies! The little one was still alive!! We were delighted to find out not only was she still alive, but she was thriving! It felt like it was ‘meant to be’. We asked if she was spoken for, and although he was so impressed with her tenacity and resilience that he had planned to keep her for himself, he agreed to let us have her….and we are happy to report she has ruled our hearts and our home ever since!!😊
Happy Birthday Delilah!! Let’s get this PAWTY started!!