Continued
Why do newborn puppies die?
According to USA textbook figures, thirty per cent of puppies die between birth and weaning. In Guyana the mortality rate is surely higher. Three-fourths of these die in the first two weeks of life. Many puppy deaths undoubtedly are due to lack of advance preparation, for example: providing adequate whelping quarters which should be clean and dry and draft free as well (see column of May 5, 2013). One input which could ensure that the pup does not have an early death is to vaccinate the prospective dam before she gets pregnant. This would result in the newborn puppies obtaining (via the mother’s milk) immunity against some of those diseases which could kill them early in their lives. Note, however, that you cannot vaccinate the bitch when she is pregnant; she will abort all the puppies. Finally, getting her on a sound feeding programme during pregnancy and lactation will work wonders for the well-being of the puppies.
Some deaths are attributable to birth trauma, congenital defects, maternal neglect, compromised milk supply, and infectious diseases.
In Guyana, where so much inbreeding (incest) is going on, congenital defects are a major cause of newborn deaths. And when the incest-induced anatomical deficiencies occur they may be lethal. A few examples:
– Haemophilia is a clotting disorder which leads to internal bleeding.
-Cleft palates, often associated with hare-lip conditions, prevent effective nursing.
-Large navel hernias allow a prolapse of abdominal organs. Leg deformities (eg ‘swimmer’ syndrome) are associated with weakness and unthriftiness.
-Heart defects can be severe enough to lead to circulatory failure.
-Other invisible disorders (under-developed internal organs, immune system, metabolic problems) may also be responsible for mysterious or unexplained deaths.
Let’s look a little more specifically at those ailments which can cause early death in pups.
Blood circulatory failure (aka cardiopulmonary syndrome)
This is a shock-like state that occurs in pups under five days of age. After this age, pups usually can respond reasonably well to stress factors.
Chilling, overheating, impaired breathing and inefficient nursing, produce a drop in body temperature (body heat) and breathing rate. These in turn lead to weakness and inability to digest food. If the body temperature drops below 94 degrees F, there is further depression of vital functions. This cycle is progressive and soon becomes irreversible. Early treatment is imperative, if death is to be avoided.
Symptoms
At first (days 1 and 2), pups may salivate excessively, cry and make swallowing movements. Gradually, their crawling abilities are lost and they begin to lie on their sides. Heart and breathing rates are slow until the heart rate is 40 beats per minute and the breathing rate is four per minute. Remember we had documented the normal heartbeats (≈ 160/minutes) and breathing rates (10-18 breaths per minute) of newborn pups.
Later, poor circulation affects the brain causing titanic spasms, accompanied by breathless periods lasting up to a minute. At this point the condition is irreversible. The pup will die.
Blood in the stool and urine (often accompanies this condition). Gagging and fluid in the nostrils may be noted.
Treatment
Treatment involves the administration of oxygen, dextrose and slow warming. Adrenalin may be of aid. Veterinary assistance is required.
