Continued
The runt
The physically immature puppy is at a distinct disadvantage, because of his low birth weight and lack of muscle mass and subcutaneous fat. He may be unable to breathe deeply, nurse effectively and maintain warmth in his body. His liver-brain ratio may be less than 1.5/1. His birth weight may be 25 per cent below that of littermates. He will not be competitive for nipples (milk), and usually the mother herself will abandon the pup, even kill it. Do not reproach her; this is nature’s way of ensuring the survival of the fittest.
The most common cause of subnormal birth weight is inadequate nourishment while in the uterus. When all the
