Why is my pitbull mom losing hair, spotting, and limping post-birth?

Question

My pitbull gave birth 8 weeks ago(4 stillborn), 7 puppies. Now she has pitted hair loss(flea season too), is still spotting(not much but there is blood) and is limping(taking weight off her left side mostly). Is this parvo, arthritis, anemia, or worms? My husband thinks I'm just worrying too much but she was a healthy, happy dog before the puppies and I just found out 1 of her pups died suddenly yesterday(the only 1 we let leave, had vaccinations). Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 60 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. It is not unusually for a bitch to blow her coat while nursing. There is such a great demand for nutrients to go into the milk that often a mother dog's weight & coat will suffer. Dogs can spot for up to 12 weeks after whelping, so as long as the discharge is not getting worse, I would not worry. I do not know why she is favoring her left side. Arthritis is a possibility if she is an older dog, but it certainly can be other things like tick disease to a sprain/strain. If you have not wormed her or the puppies, do so. Pyrantal pamoate is usually started when the puppies are just 2 weeks old. This does not get all the worms, but is safe for mom & the puppies. If the blood spotting or the limp gets any worse, please have her seen by your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Why is my pitbull mom losing hair, spotting, and limping post-birth?

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