Skin ailments
Very young puppies (before the eyes are opened) seem not to be affected by scabies or demodectic mange. Most skin disorders seem to be bacterial in origin. Poor hygiene in the surroundings at whelping time would predispose to skin infections.
These skin lesions exhibit themselves as pustules, blisters, scabs/crusts and are often to be found on the abdomen. I have theorised that the initial opening for the infection of bacteria comes from mosquito bites. My logic is that the blood-sucking mosquitoes cannot easily penetrate the hairy skin of the (especially fluffy) puppy. However, the abdomen (belly area) is pretty much hairless. When the mosquitoes bite the tender skin, they leave behind tiny holes which allow bacteria to deposit themselves and multiply.
Since germs are the problem, then the cure is simple. One can use sanitizing lotions and antibiotic creams. I always advise that the scabs/crusts be cleaned away with hydrogen peroxide and then cleaned with a gentle antiseptic. Often, that treatment alone will suffice and one does not need to introduce antibiotics.
The ‘swimmer’
Shortly after the pups’ eyes open (10 days to 2 weeks) they should be able to stand. Soon afterwards, they should begin to walk, albeit unsteadily.
On some occasions, one finds that one or more of the litter can’t stand. The legs (front and/or hind) are sprawled sideways. The muscles that pull the legs together are either too weak or not well developed at all.
Of course there are predisposing causes. For example, the pup might be so big and fat and heavy that the legs just can’t cope with the weight. In other instances, the floor on which the pups are kept is too smooth and slippery and the puppies cannot get enough traction. Lastly, there seems to be much evidence that the whole affair is genetic in origin.
The result of any treatment is dubious at best. I have tied, braced, splinted puppies’ legs; I have ensured that carpets are put in the kennels to provide a better grip for the young pups; I have placed the fat pups on a diet. All with no great incidence of success. In fact, if we agree that the problem is hereditary, then we should bring other considerations into the treatment debate.
Usually, the condition is irreversible; so, really, there is only one option. Discuss the matter in detail with your vet, before the ultimate decisions made.
The ‘bleeder’
Puppies are born without one of the very specific clotting factors, which needs Vitamin K for its development. For this reason, pups tend to bleed easily during the first few days of life.
The bleeding occurs at the orifices – ears, mouth, anus, and especially at the site of the umbilical stump. The treatment (and recovery rate) is relatively simple, if we intervene early.
I would like to suggest that even if only one puppy exhibits this problem, all the other litter mates must be treated as well – whether they show symptoms or not. Moreover, the mother dog must be treated with Vitamin K during all subsequent pregnancies.
Low blood sugar
Some puppies show signs of apathy and weakness combined with twitchings that are associated with a low sugar level in the bloodstream. This is a serious disorder which can lead quickly to death. Controlled infusions of sugar will yield spectacular results in short order.
Finally, having talked about the success of the treatments of various puppy ailments over the past few weeks, I still have to confess that puppies die for reasons that are still obscure. Just as we have in human newborns the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (‘crib death’), so too puppies that are doing well one day are found dead the next. Sometimes we blame the inexperienced mother who might unwittingly have rolled over on top of her pup. I must say that I have never been totally convinced by these explanations. However, I am still sure that scientific research and empirical observation will yield many answers to the issues surrounding ‘inexplicable’ puppy deaths.
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.
