Volunteers from the Mãos que Salvam project, in Santa Maria, had a surprise after the birth of the dog Pérola, who gave birth to 16 puppies – nine females and seven males. Ultrasound exams, carried out during the animal’s pregnancy, showed that the litter would consist of a maximum of eight new animals. The fact is considered rare by veterinarians.
– On Sunday morning, she gave birth to eight puppies. By the evening of that day, 9 more puppies had been born. Something surprising. We had to find a nursing mother for part of the litter because Pérola doesn’t have many teats to breastfeed – says Juliana Arruda, responsible for the project.
The Pearl is a medium-sized animal, without a defined breed and has no owner. As the puppies are very small, the ultrasound performed showed a smaller number. The dog is staying at a hotel to breastfeed the puppies. According to Juliana, there were no complications during the birth, and the mother and cubs are doing well.
The story becomes curious, as it is not common for dogs of this size to give birth to so many puppies naturally. According to veterinarian Diane Jaqueline Waschburger, in her 13-year career, this is the first time she has come across a case like this.
– Typically, medium-sized dogs have litters ranging from four to eight puppies, with some exceptional cases having up to 10. A litter of 16 puppies is very rare and requires veterinary assistance to ensure that all puppies and the mother are healthy – he says the veterinarian.
In 2020, in the city of Indiana, São Paulo, another medium-sized dog also gave birth to 16 puppies. Unlike Pérola’s case, in this case it was necessary to carry out medical intervention through a cesarean section, which lasted two hours.
Adoption
After the surprise, the puppies and their mother are looking for new homes. After the breastfeeding period and mandatory vaccinations, they can be donated. Interested parties can contact the Mãos que Salvam project on Instagram.
The initiative does not rescue stray animals, but provides assistance to people who are dedicated to caring for animals. There is also the possibility of donating to the project through Pix: [email protected].
Castration
Diane highlights that stories like Pérola’s reinforce the importance of neutering stray animals.
– In addition to controlling reproduction and preventing unwanted litters, especially in cases where a female dog may give birth to an excessive number of puppies, neutering can help reduce the risk of certain health problems, such as uterine and mammary cancer. It can also have behavioral benefits, such as reducing aggression and territorial marking – highlights Diane.
The decision to neuter guarantees the health and quality of life of the animals.
Castrammobile
In Santa Maria, there is Castramóvel, which is managed by the company Ninagut Consultoria Veterinária, from Minas Gerais, hiring professionals from Santa Maria to work on surgical activities. It began operations at the end of March 2022. Since then, it has carried out more than 2,600 castrations in the municipality.
The unit is installed in the Environmental Secretariat warehouse, at Rua Adão Schneider, 55, in Bairro João Goulart, and carries out scheduled surgeries for the neutering of dogs and cats.
Photo: Project Mãos que Salvam
Source: SM Diary – Available in RD Foco
