CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Elizabeth Youens,
Fading puppy syndrome
Fading puppy syndrome
Puppies that fail to thrive and die soon after birth are often called “fading puppies”. There are two types: true fading puppies where the cause of death is unknown and puppies failing to thrive where there is a known underlying cause. Deaths of very young puppies (pre-weaning) can be up to 30%, with approximately half of these occurring in the first two weeks of life.
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What is fading puppy syndrome?
Fading puppy syndrome generally refers to any puppy which seems normal at birth but then gradually declines and often dies. Around 55% of these cases are “true fading puppies”, where there is no identifiable problem or disease. Their birth weight is usually normal, and they have no signs of ill-health or genetic defect at birth, but they rapidly become depressed, show poor sucking and cry persistently. The condition progresses to generalised weakness and they usually die 3-5 days after birth.
The other 45% of cases have known causes. These are widespread and can be multifaceted. These include:
- Poor husbandry including inadequate cleanliness of environment and poor temperature control
- Maternal ill health including illness and poor nutrition resulting in pups with low birth weight
- Poor mothering behavior
- Inadequate milk production, or failure of the mother to nurse
- Congenital defects
- Trauma, including a traumatic birth
- Poor immune function
- Infection with viruses, bacteria or parasites.
Puppies are especially vulnerable in the first few weeks of life as they have not yet developed full control of their immune system, temperature regulation and fluid balance. This means that any infection or poor environmental factors can have a hugely detrimental effect.
Which infections can cause fading puppy syndrome?
Infections may account for up to 20% of cases. Viruses such as canine herpes virus, canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus may be responsible. Various common bacteria can also overwhelm a puppy’s immune system. Intestinal parasites such as hookworms can also damage pup’s intestines and weaken their system, so they are more susceptible to infections and malnutrition. Newly born puppies (neonates) have an incompletely developed immune system until at least 10 days after birth and are therefore susceptible to bacterial and viral infection. Infections can be passed to the puppies from the mother, or contracted from the environment, especially if inadequate hygiene measures are taken.
How will I know my puppy has fading puppy syndrome?
True fading puppy syndrome is generally seen 2 days after birth onwards, with most pups dying between 3-5 days. The puppies may show a combination of these signs:
- Progressive weight loss
- Depression/lethargy (or occasionally unusual restlessness early in disease process)
- Persistent crying
- Failure to suck
- Generalized weakness
- Dehydration
- Hypothermia followed by death.
Where the cause of the illness can be identified, ill health usually results in:
- Frequent crying
- Restlessness
- Hypothermia, diarrhea and/or breathing problems leading ultimately to death, usually later than 7 days after birth.
How can I prevent fading puppy syndrome occurring?
In some cases, this poorly understood syndrome may be impossible to prevent. However, in order to give young puppies the best chance of survival, there are some simple precautions to take. The mother should have all the necessary vaccinations and adequate health care and nutrition prior to breeding. Ensure that birthing (whelping) is carried out in a clean environment under supervision and the puppies are monitored frequently, including checking that all are latching on and nursing soon after birth. Hygiene should be maintained after the pups are born. Puppies need to be kept in a very warm environment (84.2-87.8°F room temperature) for their first few days as they are not good at regulating their own body temperature. Contact your veterinarian immediately if the puppies look poorly.
How will my veterinarian treat my puppy?
In new-born puppies with minor signs of disease (lethargy, slow feeding, lack of weight gain), the initial treatment is early supplemental feeding. If your veterinarian is concerned over intake of colostrum (first milk that the mother provides), a source of frozen-thawed or replacement colostrum may be given, preferably before day 3. Thereafter, milk supplements will be fed by a tube or syringe every 2 hours.
It is essential to maintain body temperature and record this every few hours. Your veterinarian will also make sure that the puppy is hydrated. General nursing care should include regular perineal stimulation to ensure urine and fecal voiding.
Treatment for more poorly puppies includes oxygen, fluid therapy and broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Will a fading puppy survive?
Unfortunately, despite early and aggressive treatment, the death rate is usually high.