What are the clinical signs of fading puppy syndrome?
The clinical signs are vague. It is often too late to save a puppy once clinical signs are apparent. The common findings are a low birth weight or failure to gain weight at the same rate as their siblings (the runt of the litter), decreased activity and inability to suckle. These puppies have a tendency to remain separate from the mother and the rest of the litter. They are often reported to cry weakly in a high-pitched tone. Sometimes this is refered to this as seagulling due to its similarity to the cry of seagulls. These puppies often quickly progress to severe lethargy, loss of muscle tone, and death.
There are many factors that contribute to fading puppy syndrome. Some of the more common factors include:
One or more of these factors can contribute to fading puppy syndrome. For example, a lack of mothering instinct coupled with poor hygiene can often result in neonatal septicemia (systemic infection) in a very short time. Although some maternal immunity is conferred to the puppy while it is developing in the mothers uterus, the majority of this immunity is acquired via the colostrum or first milk. If the puppy does not drink an adequate amount of this first milk, it is more vulnerable to infection. It is important that the mother be examined immediately after giving birth for abnormal teat (breast) discharge, mastitis (breast infection), metritis (uterine infection) or other illness.
Many common bacteria can cause overwhelming septicemia and death in a vulnerable puppy in a very short amount of time. Because of the weakness and poor immune response, death often occurs quickly and with few, if any, clinical signs. Viral infections can cause fading puppy syndrome. If the mother is carrying a virus or is not properly vaccinated, the puppies are more likely to contract an infection from the mother or have an even weaker immune system. Canine parvovirus, adenovirus, and canine distemper have all been implicated as causes of fading puppy syndrome.
Intestinal parasites (especially hookworms), fleas and ticks can also weaken a puppy by taking vital blood and nutrients away from the developing puppy. Infested puppies often fail to gain weight and slowly fade and die.
Vet Minute: Puppy Weight Gain
Discover a simple formula that helps answer the question of how much weight should a puppy gain per day. Dr. Marty Greer, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services offers tips on how to help a newborn puppy not gaining weight or what to do if a puppy is gaining too much weight. Puppy Weight Gain
Underlying causes are a common reason your puppy isn’t gaining weight as they should. If your pup seems to have a good appetite, it likely is not due to inadequate food intake.
We always advise bringing your pet into our office to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Because there are so many possibilities, we always advise you to bring them to our veterinary office for a check up.
Or the problem may be dental-related. For example, the puppy’s teeth may not have erupted normally and may be coming into contact with the tongue.
Additionally, certain foods can be too rich for some puppies and result in diarrhea. “This isn’t necessarily a food allergy, but I think some pups with developing gastrointestinal tracts can’t handle certain foods,” she explains.
How to feed a struggling puppy, breeder info!
If you’re concerned about your puppy’s lack of weight gain, don’t panic yet.Puppies grow at different rates, but if yours is below the average for his breed, there may be an issue.
We always advise bringing your pet into our office to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Underlying causes are a common reason your puppy isn’t gaining weight as they should. If your pup seems to have a good appetite, it likely is not due to inadequate food intake.
There could be any number of reasons behind her inability to gain weight, but intestinal parasites—particularly roundworms and hookworms—are probably the most common.
Inflammatory bowel disease, protein losing enteropathy (any condition of the GI tract resulting in loss of protein), and hypoglycemia are examples of diseases we’ll look for.
Or the problem may be dental-related. For example, the puppy’s teeth may not have erupted normally and may be coming into contact with the tongue.
Because there are so many possibilities, we always advise you to bring them to our veterinary office for a check up.
Additionally, certain foods can be too rich for some puppies and result in diarrhea. “This isn’t necessarily a food allergy, but I think some pups with developing gastrointestinal tracts can’t handle certain foods,” she explains.