Medical Problems in Puppyhood
Page [ 1 | 2 ]
Illness
Herpes Virus
Symptoms and Causes
Although the herpes virus rarely caused clinical problems with mum, it can be passed to her pups during birth. If so, they will stop nursing, develop diarrhoea, cry and be in considerable pain.
Prevention and Treatment
Usually fatal unfortunately, although keeping the pups in an incubator at 38.5° (101°F) may help – the herpes virus survives best in temperatures of 36°C (98°F)
Further litters from the infected mother need not be infected.
Illness
Low Blood Sugar
(Hypoglycaemia)
Symptoms and Causes
A drop in blood sugar levels will lead to weakness, excessive salivating, convulsions, possible tics and finally death.
The condition, known as hypoglycaemia, can happen without warning and could be due to stress, or if the pup is ill or has been neglected. Yorkshire Terriers are especially susceptible with the condition normally appearing between 6 – 14 weeks.
Prevention and Treatment
Poor feeders should be hand fed with milk replacer containing adequate amounts of sugar.
If the pup is conscious corn syrup, honey or glucose powder can be given orally.
If unconscious or having convulsions, sugar (dextrose) will need to be intravenously administered ASAP.
Illness
Low Body Temperature
(Hypothermia)
Symptoms and Causes
Lethargic, inactive and cool to the touch, this condition is a major cause of puppy death. This is usually due to being rejected by the mother.
Prevention and Treatment
Ensure there is a hot water bottle for the pups if mum is away for more than 15 minutes and the room temperature should be kept above 24°C (76°F). Keep away from drafts and cold floors as well.
If a pup needs treatment, use a hot water bottle or your own body heat to bring its body up to ‘mother’ temperature.
Illness
Naval Infections
Symptoms and Causes
Once the severed umbilical cord shrinks and falls off, the naval is left behind. This can sometimes become red and swollen through infection with a possibility of some pus.
Prevention and Treatment
Make sure the area is cleaned thoroughly with warm water and a mild antiseptic and phone your vet for advice on whether to take the affected pup for further examination.
Illness
Retained Urine & Faeces
Symptoms and Causes
Mum will normally lick her pups to make them both urinate and defecate. If this doesn’t happen then both are retained within the pup’s body.
Prevention and Treatment
Gently massage the genital area with a cotton wool pad soaked in warm water. Do this after each feed and at least once between feeds.
Illness
Underfeeding
Symptoms and Causes
Once born the battle is on for the most productive teats. Those who miss out will become listless and cool to the touch.
Prevention and Treatment
Daily weighing of all pups will detect any problems. Weak pups will need to be hand-fed.
Page [ 1 | 2 ]