Unfortunately, about 25% of the puppies that are born every year around the world die as a result of complex symptomatic clinical pictures, which are included in the so-called weak puppy syndrome.
Neonatal death and low immunity in puppies
The neonatal stage is the first and most vulnerable phase of development experienced by puppies and baby cats. This period is characterized by a physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional and immunological immaturity, which represents a risk for the survival of small newborns, mainly of the puppy born last.
In dogs, the neonatal stage begins at birth, and lasts until the first 15 or 16 days of life. In cats, this period is usually a little shorter, ending between the 10th and 12th day of the animal's life. Their first 24 hours, which make up the so-called "perinatal period", are the most critical and require constant vigilance by owners.
During the neonatal phase, puppies begin to develop their senses: their eyes open and their ears begin to recognize the various sounds in their environment. But his immune system is still getting stronger and, as a result, has not developed enough organic defenses to combat the myriad pathogens and microorganisms in the environment.
Low neonatal immunity makes newborns especially vulnerable to any kind of illness Their he alth is very fragile and can be easily and quickly weakened by contact with parasites, by various pathologies, and even by natural factors and environmental stimuli, such as heat, cold, or wind. This explains why puppies die after birth, thanks to the rapid progression of the complex symptoms characteristic of wasted puppy syndrome.
Possible Causes of Weak Pup Syndrome
As we mentioned, the weakened puppy syndrome, also known as "extinguishment syndrome", comprises various clinical pictures complex symptoms, which They mostly affect newborn animals. There are multiple causes associated with the development of these symptoms. While some organic factors are internal to the small animal's organism, others are related to its mother, and to problems during childbirth, lactation or pregnancy.
An etiological characteristic not only of this syndrome, but also of all complex symptomatology, is that certain conditions can appear as causes and symptoms, being difficult, in many cases, to specify the primary reason why the puppy is weak. Consequently, treatment is almost always determined by recognizing the specific symptoms of each animal, something that necessarily requires the knowledge and experience of a veterinarian.
Internal organic causes of the puppy
- Hypothermia
- Hypoglycemia
- Dehydration
- Viral pathologies (distemper, parvovirus and neonatal herpevirus)
- Malformation of the digestive system
- Omphaloflebitis (inflammation of the umbilical veins)
- Difficulty breathing or respiratory illnesses
- Intestinal parasite infestation (the most common, larval ascariasis)
- Bacterial infections and neonatal sepsis
External causes associated with the mother or childbirth
- Hypoxia - poor oxygenation during labor
- Congenital or hereditary malformations (such as cleft palate)
- Maternal hypogalactia (poor low milk production)
- Consumption of contaminated breast milk (bacteria, toxic substances or pathologies such as mastitis)
- Postpartum behavior problems (depression, lack of interest in puppies, rejection, etc.)
Weakened Puppy Syndrome Symptoms
Again, it is important to reaffirm that the symptoms of the weakened puppy syndrome are complex, develop quickly and lead to a general decline in he alth. Most neonates show the first symptoms between 72 and 96 hours of life.
Below we list the main symptoms of weak puppy syndrome:
- Malnutrition
- Seizures
- Tiredness and apathy
- Excessive crying or moaning
- Heart and respiratory failure
- Decrease in body temperature
- Weakness from the 2nd day of life
- Hypoglycemia worsening
- Difficulty feeding
Treatment of complex neonatal symptoms
When observing any sign of weakness, malnutrition or dehydration, as well as any change in the appearance or behavior of a newborn, it is essential to go immediately to the clinic veterinary The symptoms of weakened puppy syndrome require immediate and specialized attention.
However, if you notice that your female dog or cat has given birth to a "off" little one, with no vital signs, you can use the resuscitation techniques for newborn puppies, and then take all the newborns to the veterinary.
At the veterinary clinic, appropriate measures can be taken to combat the specific symptoms of each newborn and improve their weakness condition, for example:
- Oral or intravenous administration of dextrose serum and/or rich in electrolytes, to rapidly improve dehydration and malnutrition.
- Controlled intake of honey, according to the animal's weight and he alth status, to reverse hypoglycemia.
- Body warming therapies, to prevent or treat symptoms of hypothermia.
- Oxygen therapy.
- Internal deworming (if the presence of parasites in the animal's body is diagnosed).
- Stomach lavage and artificial feeding – in case of diagnosing that breast milk is contaminated.
Is it possible to prevent neonatal death?
The prevention of neonatal death is not only possible, but absolutely necessary and recommended We can adopt simple and effective preventive measures to avoid the occurrence of the symptoms of malnutrition, dehydration, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and various pathologies.
Below, we suggest some basic care to keep your newborns he althy:
- Regular visits to the vet from the pregnancy and throughout the life of the puppies.
- Respect the schedule for vaccinations and regular deworming.
- Keep the temperature and humidity of the home stable.
- Monitor the behavior and daily habits of newborns and their mother.
- Certify that all puppies are suckling and can suck properly.
- Verify that the bitch is producing enough milk to nurse her young.
- Check the weight and size of the puppies daily, to certify that they are growing properly.
- Take the body temperature of the puppies and the female daily.
- Offer adequate preventive medicine for puppies throughout their lives.
