Dog Training Weekly - Review by Carley Phillips
BLOOMFIELD’S MANUAL OF PUPPY HAND REARING by Samantha Bloomfield
WOW!!
What else can I say about this amazing little book that is an absolute mine of information. Incredible detail and fact. This is a complete practical guide covering every aspect that could possibly occur of both hand rearing newborn pups and having a litter. Facts such as regulating body temperature, nutrition for energy reserves to fight infection, kidney function and dehydration and the immunity derived from the colostrum. The appearance and development of a healthy normal pup at various times from birth and also what they should be capable of at these times, how they will feed and the manual stimulation required for them to pass urine or faecal material up to around two or three weeks of age.
Chapter three covers examination and assessment of the puppy as soon as possible after birth when the bitch allows. Useful equipment such as scales, cotton wool, thermometer, nail varnish for recognition etc is listed and procedures and general appearances for skin, head, spine, legs and feet, chest and rib cage, umbilicus, rectal temperature, breathing rate, gut function and monitoring are all covered in such detail, with exact facts and figures, that every aspect is noted for even the rawest beginner to feel confident that all is right. At the end of each chapter all facts are shortened into a summary box for easy finding and reference.
Accommodation for newborns is covered in chapter four and the uses of an incubator or a ‘puppy box’, with heat pad, vet bedding, thermometer, absorbent paper and a soft toy for puppy to cuddle up to. Again a summary of temperatures for immature pups and newborns is provided.
Feeding is covered from every aspect and in great detail. Tube feeding and all it entails, equipment needed and method required. This really couldn't be explained any clearer for a procedure I would imagine most would be fairly nervous about doing, plus teat and syringe feeding, again all equipment pictured, described and listed with fine detail.
Nutrition and feeding regimens is a chapter that is so full of information, I had to read it twice to take it all in. Oral Electrolyte solution formula, milk replacement formula plus an emergency solution of the above while the correct formula is sourced, are described in detail, preparing these, feeding times and volumes per weight of puppy, all covered, plus a summary which shows the important points to remember, when something goes wrong and how to correct it. Absolutely excellent to have this detail at your fingertips if you were struggling with a litter.
The common conditions chapter outlines some of these found in immature puppies and newborns. It gives descriptions of how to manage and the possible outlook, Those covered are :- Fading Puppy syndrome (including swimmer puppy syndrome), maternal factors affecting puppies and those of its environment, congenital and inherited conditions, cleft palate, open fontanels and hydrocephalus, umbilical hernia, anal atresia, genu recurvatum, hypoglycaemia/seizures, dehydration, hypothermia, hyperthermia, neonatal sepsis, constipation, diarrhoea, pneumonia and finally, rectal prolapse. Each of these listed is covered again in detail. The condition is described, plus prognosis and/or treatment suggested. Some of these conditions I have never even heard of, and having this detail in a small paperback book at hand, would be invaluable should I even decide to rear a litter one day!!
Drugs to give to newborns are a more controversial subject. No drugs in the UK are currently licensed to give to one so young, although this doesn't mean they are not safe.
Finally this little book of wonders has four Appendices for detailed use.
1. A full assessment sheet for a newborn, a checklist with detail and facts and figures to refer to at the time.
2. A daily care sheet with times, feeds, urine output, faeces output and medication.
3. A weight chart for accurate recording.
4. A grams/ounce weight conversion chart
In conclusion, there is little more that I can say about this book other than it is an absolute marvel. In fact I think every potential breeder, current breeder and even a very experienced breeder should have one at hand. Written by Samantha Bloomfield who helped extensively in her Mothers ‘Puppy and Kitten clinic’ during the 1990’s. This clinic cared for up to 35 puppies and kittens under four weeks of age, where the animals were hand-reared and nursed by Samantha and her Mother Betty. The work however was completely exhausting and took its toll on Betty’s health. Samantha also left home to study to become a vet and the clinic, which was in demand from breeders and veterinary surgeons from all over the country, regrettably had to close in 1997. Samantha, now a veterinary surgeon herself, has lectured extensively on this books subject to breeders and the veterinary profession, and in this new edition, has undertaken the re-writing of her Mother Betty’s book.
This book is worth every penny, a definite must have! I couldn't recommend it more.
BLOOMFIELD’S MANUAL OF PUPPY HAND REARING by Samantha Bloomfield
WOW!!
What else can I say about this amazing little book that is an absolute mine of information. Incredible detail and fact. This is a complete practical guide covering every aspect that could possibly occur of both hand rearing newborn pups and having a litter. Facts such as regulating body temperature, nutrition for energy reserves to fight infection, kidney function and dehydration and the immunity derived from the colostrum. The appearance and development of a healthy normal pup at various times from birth and also what they should be capable of at these times, how they will feed and the manual stimulation required for them to pass urine or faecal material up to around two or three weeks of age.
Chapter three covers examination and assessment of the puppy as soon as possible after birth when the bitch allows. Useful equipment such as scales, cotton wool, thermometer, nail varnish for recognition etc is listed and procedures and general appearances for skin, head, spine, legs and feet, chest and rib cage, umbilicus, rectal temperature, breathing rate, gut function and monitoring are all covered in such detail, with exact facts and figures, that every aspect is noted for even the rawest beginner to feel confident that all is right. At the end of each chapter all facts are shortened into a summary box for easy finding and reference.
Accommodation for newborns is covered in chapter four and the uses of an incubator or a ‘puppy box’, with heat pad, vet bedding, thermometer, absorbent paper and a soft toy for puppy to cuddle up to. Again a summary of temperatures for immature pups and newborns is provided.
Feeding is covered from every aspect and in great detail. Tube feeding and all it entails, equipment needed and method required. This really couldn't be explained any clearer for a procedure I would imagine most would be fairly nervous about doing, plus teat and syringe feeding, again all equipment pictured, described and listed with fine detail.
Nutrition and feeding regimens is a chapter that is so full of information, I had to read it twice to take it all in. Oral Electrolyte solution formula, milk replacement formula plus an emergency solution of the above while the correct formula is sourced, are described in detail, preparing these, feeding times and volumes per weight of puppy, all covered, plus a summary which shows the important points to remember, when something goes wrong and how to correct it. Absolutely excellent to have this detail at your fingertips if you were struggling with a litter.
The common conditions chapter outlines some of these found in immature puppies and newborns. It gives descriptions of how to manage and the possible outlook, Those covered are :- Fading Puppy syndrome (including swimmer puppy syndrome), maternal factors affecting puppies and those of its environment, congenital and inherited conditions, cleft palate, open fontanels and hydrocephalus, umbilical hernia, anal atresia, genu recurvatum, hypoglycaemia/seizures, dehydration, hypothermia, hyperthermia, neonatal sepsis, constipation, diarrhoea, pneumonia and finally, rectal prolapse. Each of these listed is covered again in detail. The condition is described, plus prognosis and/or treatment suggested. Some of these conditions I have never even heard of, and having this detail in a small paperback book at hand, would be invaluable should I even decide to rear a litter one day!!
Drugs to give to newborns are a more controversial subject. No drugs in the UK are currently licensed to give to one so young, although this doesn't mean they are not safe.
Finally this little book of wonders has four Appendices for detailed use.
1. A full assessment sheet for a newborn, a checklist with detail and facts and figures to refer to at the time.
2. A daily care sheet with times, feeds, urine output, faeces output and medication.
3. A weight chart for accurate recording.
4. A grams/ounce weight conversion chart
In conclusion, there is little more that I can say about this book other than it is an absolute marvel. In fact I think every potential breeder, current breeder and even a very experienced breeder should have one at hand. Written by Samantha Bloomfield who helped extensively in her Mothers ‘Puppy and Kitten clinic’ during the 1990’s. This clinic cared for up to 35 puppies and kittens under four weeks of age, where the animals were hand-reared and nursed by Samantha and her Mother Betty. The work however was completely exhausting and took its toll on Betty’s health. Samantha also left home to study to become a vet and the clinic, which was in demand from breeders and veterinary surgeons from all over the country, regrettably had to close in 1997. Samantha, now a veterinary surgeon herself, has lectured extensively on this books subject to breeders and the veterinary profession, and in this new edition, has undertaken the re-writing of her Mother Betty’s book.
This book is worth every penny, a definite must have! I couldn't recommend it more.
Helen Phillips of Lindenmarsh Cocker Spaniels was the first to receive her copy of 'Bloomfield's Manual of Puppy Hand Rearing in October 2013, and this is what she had to say...
Hi Samantha,
I received the book. It’s really very good.
I have posted the book on our facebook page as I feel sure it has a huge amount to offer.
Apart from anything else, when we have a struggling puppy, we tend to find ourselves in a breeders forum and the advice is 'try this' or 'try that' in an ad hoc and very unscientific manner.
Your book sets out much of those little snippets we have tried before but in logical order and with clear and practical advice on implementation. It will certainly fill me with confidence if I need to consult it in the future. Until now it has really been terribly 'hit and miss' and more miss than hit sadly. I shall certainly recommend this to all the breeders I know in the South of England.
Thanks for the book and very good luck with it!
Kind regards,
Helen Phillips
Lindenmarsh Cockers
(www.lindenmarshdogs.weebly.com)
Hi Samantha,
I received the book. It’s really very good.
I have posted the book on our facebook page as I feel sure it has a huge amount to offer.
Apart from anything else, when we have a struggling puppy, we tend to find ourselves in a breeders forum and the advice is 'try this' or 'try that' in an ad hoc and very unscientific manner.
Your book sets out much of those little snippets we have tried before but in logical order and with clear and practical advice on implementation. It will certainly fill me with confidence if I need to consult it in the future. Until now it has really been terribly 'hit and miss' and more miss than hit sadly. I shall certainly recommend this to all the breeders I know in the South of England.
Thanks for the book and very good luck with it!
Kind regards,
Helen Phillips
Lindenmarsh Cockers
(www.lindenmarshdogs.weebly.com)
From Karen Edwards...Thank you for your new book. Every dog breeder should own one. I have been looking forward to receiving the book and am delighted with the updated version of Betty Bloomfields book on neonatal care. Thank you.
Karen Edwards, Roxilyn Bearded Collies and Affenpinschers, Roxilyn Canine Therapy Centre, Lincoln.
Karen Edwards, Roxilyn Bearded Collies and Affenpinschers, Roxilyn Canine Therapy Centre, Lincoln.
With thanks to Amazon Reviewers:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
P R WINTERS & N Winters 20 April 2016
Great read. Covered everything I needed to know and stuff I didn't even know I needed to know. Thoroughly recommend to anyone thinking of owning a puppy.
5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable for practical advice and feed formula etc.
Delia L. Shepherd 29 October 2015
Indispensable for practical advice and feed formula etc. for puppy breeding written by an expert had a clinic rearing weak sick puppies for many yrs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sue, Dorset 2 October 2015
Excellent advice for breeders to give their sick pups the best chance of a good outcome
5.0 out of 5 stars No serious dog breeder should be without this book!
Linda Flynn 1 March 2015
Have used the original publication for many years and find the advice invaluable. Looking forward to reading the revised version.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Robert Fletcher 13 July 2014
For the bookshelf, just in case!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Jackie Pointon 17 August 2015
Great book full of helpful hints
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
P R WINTERS & N Winters 20 April 2016
Great read. Covered everything I needed to know and stuff I didn't even know I needed to know. Thoroughly recommend to anyone thinking of owning a puppy.
5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable for practical advice and feed formula etc.
Delia L. Shepherd 29 October 2015
Indispensable for practical advice and feed formula etc. for puppy breeding written by an expert had a clinic rearing weak sick puppies for many yrs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sue, Dorset 2 October 2015
Excellent advice for breeders to give their sick pups the best chance of a good outcome
5.0 out of 5 stars No serious dog breeder should be without this book!
Linda Flynn 1 March 2015
Have used the original publication for many years and find the advice invaluable. Looking forward to reading the revised version.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Robert Fletcher 13 July 2014
For the bookshelf, just in case!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Jackie Pointon 17 August 2015
Great book full of helpful hints
