Fading Puppy Syndrome (Page 1 of 4)

Shortened from the Boxer '81 yearbook
published by South Western Boxer Club of Great Britain
By Erma J. Kovach

As dog breeders, we want to do everything possible to assure the birthing of healthy litters of puppies. Not only is this desirable from an economical standpoint, but in the majority of cases each litter has been carefully planned with the idea that from this breeding, hopefully will come that great dog - the dog that will put us in the breeders' winners circle - a dog that will stamp his mark on the breed.

We study genetics and avidly read all the pieces of literature to aid us in not only producing an outstanding litter but in raising all of the puppies to saleable age. I am certain that most of you have read, as I have, the recommendation that penicillin or some type of antibiotic be administered to the bitch immediately following the birth of the last puppy to guard against uterine infections that sometimes occur after whelping. I have even read statements that this initial antibiotic should be followed up by oral doses for the first week.

But then, something begins to happen Sometimes within only 72 hours a puppy will begin acting full, sleepy and showing no interest in nursing. Later the puppy's stomach seems distended and it gives that pitiful puppy cry as death approaches.

"Oh well, you're bound to lose one puppy" the breeder reasons. It was one of the best looking ones, though, and fearful the bitch might have gotten an infection that could be passed on to the puppies, he either gives another shot of antibiotics or starts the bitch on oral doses of antibiotics as a safeguard, then, others begin acting the same way as the first puppy did and the breeder stands by helplessly and watches the entire litter die, although the bitch is as healthy as can be. What this breeder has experienced is the loss of his puppies to what is called the "Fading puppy syndrome."

As a breeder, I'm no different from anyone else with the exception that, possibly along with others of you' I am squeamish when it comes to sticking the needle in, so I take my bitch and puppies to the veterinarian within 24 hours after they are born so he can check them and the bitch to see if everything is all right.

In recent years it has seemed more and more breeders have been losing their puppies from some type of infection. One breeder in my area lost 32 puppies from four bitches, managing to save only one puppy that was stunted in growth and never grew to proper size. All these puppies were lost within the space of a few months.

After learning of this, I decided I would be foolish not to take advantage of the availability of antibiotics that could prevent my bitch from having a disease she could pass on to her puppies. Following my usual procedure, I took her and the newborn puppies to my veterinarian the following morning. When he was finished examining her and the puppies, he pronounced them in excellent condition. I asked him if he didn't think it would be wise to give the bitch some type of antibiotic and he said, "No, ma'am, I don't see any reason for it,. Of course, I respect my veterinarian and his knowledge, so I didn't argue with him. And the ten healthy puppies grew rapidly and strong with no problems at all. The following litter I asked the same question and received the same reply. In the preceding months I had known breeders who had lost either all or most of their puppies, and I will admit I fretted silently when my veterinarian refused to administer an antibiotic which I felt could prevent any trouble cropping up.

I was fortunate again, however not to have any problems and my puppies grew fat and healthy and saucy.