Pet Corner

(Continued)

Septicaemia in puppies

Colloquially, we refer to ‘blood poisoning’ when we wish to project a septicaemic condition. Septicaemia really means that bacteria are circulating in the bloodstream. Obviously, this is a situation that must be taken seriously, if for no other reason than the germs and their toxic wastes will eventually poison and kill tissues and organs. The fact that these germs (bacteria) are in the bloodstream means that they have easy access to the tissues of the entire body. In the case of puppies (like all newborn), their fragility exacerbates the condition; and a puppy with septicaemia will, in all likelihood, die.

Puppy septicaemia occurs mainly in young canines between the ages of four days and four weeks. The germs usually enter with the young pup’s food (milk) and then spread through the lining of the intestines to the bloodstream, thence to the body tissues. Of course, as I mentioned in last week’s Pet Corner column, the stump of umbilical cord also represents a gateway for the germs to enter the pup’s body.

Symptoms of puppy septicaemia

** Constant crying (pain)

** Swelling of the abdomen (bloat)

** Skin gets a dark red to bluish colour

** Sometimes a diarrhoea (therefore dehydration) presents itself.

Within short order the condition of the pup deteriorates to a state of weakness and lethargy from which there is no return.

Treatment

This is one instance where the speedy introduction of broad spectrum antibiotics is a must. Supportive therapy must include rehydration and an attempt to stop the diarrhoea, as well as the introduction of metabolic stimulants (Vitamin B complex, etc). If the mother’s milk is the source of the infection, then the pup must be removed and hand-reared. The entire therapeutic regime should be designed by (or be in close collaboration with) your vet.

Toxic milk syndrome

I mentioned in the above discussion that a pup can in fact receive the germs via its mother’s milk. For example, if the dam (mother dog) has mastitis (inflammatory process of the breast), then the puppies can contract the germs that are in the breast. More important, however, is the fact that toxins (poisons) in the milk create digestive upsets in the nursing pups. They can’t then absorb the nutrients in the milk with any great efficiency.

Since these young pups are especially vulnerable in their early life (three days to two weeks), they succumb rapidly after exhibiting pain (crying), drooling, bloat and diarrhoea. The toxic milk produces an acid stool and, as a result, the anal area is red and painful.

The treatment is difficult. I always advise immediate removal of the young puppies (especially those with diarrhoea and bloat) from their mother. We must raise these pups by hand, the way I have described in the Pet Corner of December 2 and 9, 2007.

Of course, the rehydration therapy (placing the pups on a drip, coconut water/oral rehydration salts several times per day) is absolutely essential.

Next week we will deal with a miscellany of minor puppy problems.

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.