Question

My Staffordshire Bull Terrier has had 5 pups on Easter Sunday. The only boy is the runt of the litter and has got a heir lip on one side but no sign of cleft palet. They were all checked by the vet who said there was no cleft palet and his heir lip could be resolved with a small operation.

At what age would the operation usually be done and what sort of cost could I be looking at? Also, I have heard that there could be a chance that cleft palet could still develope in the upcoming weeks. Is this likely and what are then time scales? Could he have other problems later in life?

Also he is smallest weighing only 300grams and has not gained any wieght in the first 48 hours whereas the girls all have gained and are all approx 450-500grams now. He struggles to stay put when feeding as he gets knocked away by the larger pups. He is suckling but struggles to stay latched on. I have started giving him puppy milk inbeween feeds from mum, to try to build up his strength.

Please help!