Now that we have entered into the fresh and new year, let’s continue discussing the newborn (puppies, that is).

Puppies, like babies, are most vulnerable during the period between birth and weaning. Most puppies die during the first two weeks. Often nature eliminates the runts (weaklings) of the litter. The mother dog seems to know which puppies of the litter are born disadvantaged and she, in one way or the other (usually by lying on them), extinguishes the newborn’s life. Sometimes the mother’s milk supply is compromised, thus precluding optimal nutrition for the newborn offspring (see also Pet Corner of October 28, 2007; November 4, 2007; November 11, 2007).

Some puppies are born with physical defects which do not promote their survivability. Some of these congenital defects are clearly visible, for example, cleft palates (the pup wouldn’t be able to suckle properly), and hernias. Other defects, eg blood circulatory disorders caused by physical/mechanical imperfections of the heart/blood vessels, or blood clotting disorders (haemophilia) are not so readily ascertainable – but are just as lethal. Actually, there are many cases of unexplained deaths. One set of events called the Fading Puppy Syndrome is blamed for many deaths of young pups. The scenario is truly mysterious. The puppy looks healthy and is quite lively, then within a few days the vitality is reduced and it doesn’t suckle well. Conse-quently, it doesn’t gain weight like its sisters and brothers. Within a couple of days it dies. The scientists are still debating the cause (environmental influences? undetectable birth defects? lack of maternal care?) of this malady.

General symptoms associated with a sick, newborn puppy (1-21 days old):

- Incessant crying

- Increased salivation (bubbles coming out of the mouth)

- Motor inco-ordination (if the pup rolls on its side or back, it has difficulty in righting itself)

- Inability to crawl

- The heart beats slower (50 beats instead of 200 per minute)

- The breathing is slower (4-5 breaths instead of 20-30 per minute)

- Puppy shows excessive spasms of the muscles (‘fits’and/or cramps)

- Pup makes attempt at vomiting

- Pup makes continuous swallowing motions

- Bloody/watery stool

- Blood in urine

- Fluid emanating from the nostrils. All of the above symptoms represent a cause for worry.

Get in contact with your veterinarian immediately. Use the guidelines given in the articles entitled ‘Hand-rearing of newborn puppies’ (Pet Corner, December 2, 2007; December 9, 2007). As always, I must insist that you vaccinate and deworm your bitch, preferably immediately before mating (Never vaccinate during preganancy); and feed her well during pregnancy and lactation (see Pet Corner, September 2, 2007; September 9, 2007; October 28, 2007; November 18, 2007). Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals.

Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.