The cause of death of a puppy and prevention of a new pet

How to protect your puppy from dying

The cause of death of puppies can be many things: enteritis, distemper, herpes virus infection. To find out the cause of your pet's death, it is recommended to perform an autopsy. The action will show the cause of death and, according to the issued conclusion, will allow for prevention.

During the life of the puppy, you should contact a veterinarian and determine the disease. The symptoms of these diseases are similar, but the treatment and treatment results are different. When you decide to bring a small animal into your home, you should contact a veterinarian.

It is impossible to determine the cause of death due to the similarity of symptoms. Let's look at similar diseases.

Causes

Mother bound:

Difficult labor or prolonged labor;
Problems with milk release;
Injury;
Inadequate nutrition.

Environmental reasons

Extreme temperatures and humidity;
Poor sanitation.

The reason is the puppy

Congenital defects;
Infections.

Distemper in puppies

Up to 2 months Puppies have acquired immunity. Then an anti-plague vaccination is given. An adult dog can cope with the plague, a puppy cannot.

A child and an adult dog can become infected with distemper on the street where an already sick dog was walking. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. Shoes carry viruses home. The puppy sniffed, licked, joyfully greeting the owner - the virus began its destructive work. Distemper is primarily a seasonal disease; it is easier to catch in the fall or spring.

The puppy's temperature may rise, the baby becomes lethargic, leaves the light, and the animal is more comfortable in the dark. Cough with mucus, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody discharge, refusal to eat are symptoms of the plague. The disease affects the spinal cord and brain, and the lungs may be affected.

There is no cure for distemper, treatment keeps the dog in good shape, then nature plays a role. The procedures are carried out under the strict supervision of a veterinarian.

Every breeder sooner or later faced the problem of mortality of puppies in the period from birth to 4-5 weeks. It happens that for no apparent reason, 1-2 puppies, and sometimes the entire litter, die suddenly. I will try to classify the causes of puppy mortality based on veterinary research and published articles.

1. Aerobic genital tract infection. In 1987-88, a veterinarian from Australia, Narald R. Spira, attracted the attention of interested breeders with his publications. In them, he pointed out that, based on his medical practice, the cause of postpartum mortality, the birth of still puppies, as well as the resorption of embryos is a widespread uterine infection caused by streptococci. The pathogen is included in the scientific literature under the name “B-Hamolytische Streptokokken Typ Lancefield G und L”, and the infection itself is called BHS infection. Both females and males can be affected by streptococci, but it occurs most often in females. Aerobic infection can cause the following diseases: 1) Irregular cycle: instead of six months, the cycle ranges from two to twelve months, especially in young bitches affected by this infection. The onset of a new estrus is greatly delayed, or the estrus does not occur. Also, the duration of estrus varies; it can be either very short - from three to five days, or very long - from four to six weeks. With such violations, it is already necessary to think about the possible infection of the dog with BHS infection. 2) inability to become pregnant (sterility). a) infections and (or) inflammation of the ovaries with the following consequences: unripe eggs, the appearance of unfertilized eggs, failure to ovulate, or (meaning in time) abnormal ovulation. c) inflammation of the oviduct. Due to inflammation of the oviduct, the channels narrow and the passage of eggs becomes difficult or impossible. c) inflammation of the walls of the uterus, leading to the destruction of seminal cells, as well as the inability of the embryo to implant. 3) Resorption-Abortus syndrome. Resorption of fetuses and miscarriages. Bitches affected by streptococcal infection can become pregnant, but the apparently normal pregnancy stops at about the fourth or fifth week, and the embryos are reabsorbed or miscarried. Resorption of fetuses is a consequence of poor blood circulation in embryos, which leads to their death. They break away from the walls of the uterus, become smaller and eventually disappear. All this occurs, as a rule, without symptoms, the only thing is that during a miscarriage, if it occurs before 21 days, you may notice some symptoms, such as the dog feeling unwell and the appearance of strong vaginal discharge. 4) Puppy death syndrome is the most severe consequence of BHS infection. Aerobic infection is detected by taking samples from the vagina of bitches and examining the milk of lactating bitches. In the studies carried out, in most cases Staphylococcus intermedius (similar to Staphylococcus aureus) was found, including from the milk of bitches, in the rest - Escherichia coli and Beta-hemolytic streptococci. Sometimes the infection was mixed. The pathogen is included in the scientific literature under the name “B-Hamolytische Streptokokken Typ Lancefield G und L”, and the infection itself is called BHS infection. Males are, as a rule, only carriers of the disease, becoming infected from sick bitches. The causative agent of this infection in an unusual environment dies within 48 hours, so a male dog can infect a bitch during mating if he previously mated a sick bitch during this period of time. Infection of a bitch occurs through direct contact, for example, during urination, the vulva comes into contact with dirt and debris, where pathogens may be located, as well as when licking the genitals of sick animals. Most often, infertile bitches do not show any signs of infection; it can only be detected through laboratory testing. Simultaneously with the identification of the pathogen, the sensitivity of this species to antibiotics is determined so that the treatment is as effective as possible. The presence of microbes at the time of mating negatively affects fertilization, significantly reducing the activity of sperm and leading most of them to death. If fertilization does occur, then the resulting zygotes undergo further development in a free state, without attaching to the wall of the uterus. Implantation occurs in the third week of pregnancy. During the entire period, including the implantation of embryos into the uterine wall and the formation of placentas, the bitch’s body is extremely sensitive to any infection, which can at any time cause termination of pregnancy and resorption or abortion of embryos. The presence of Staphylococcus intermedius in the reproductive tract of a puppy dog is often associated with its appearance in milk. These bacteria produce very strong toxins that cause the death of puppies in the first days or hours of life. Puppies born outwardly healthy weaken (this usually happens on the third day), their appetite disappears, later they are no longer able to suck, the skin of the abdomen acquires a bluish-reddish tint, and they lose weight. If the necessary measures are not taken urgently, the puppies die within a few hours. The bitch herself looks completely healthy. Dr. Spira's research has shown that puppies of bitches infected with this infection are born healthy, but become ill later, infecting themselves through mother's milk. Sometimes puppies experience very characteristic and severe convulsions caused by toxins, when the puppy becomes as if petrified within a few seconds, and then relaxes again. In this case, it is urgent to separate the puppies from their mother and transfer them to artificial nutrition. The mother needs a course of antibiotic treatment, after which the puppies can suckle again. The following symptoms help make a diagnosis: - irregular cycle and periods of estrus, - abnormal duration, - unusual discharge, - disinterest of the male dog if the bitch is in heat, - inability to become pregnant with an absolutely normal mating, - miscarriages and resorption of fetuses, - increased body temperature, - death puppies. Any sign of weakness in puppies should be taken seriously. The veterinarian should take a swab to detect streptococci. A quick necropsy of already deceased puppies, examination and analysis of mother's milk are extremely necessary. Fast and accurate milk analysis is the key to successful therapy. The sensitivity of BHS to antibiotics is very variable, making treatment difficult. An accurate blood test in this case is necessary to determine which antibiotics the dog responds best to. The normal duration of treatment in the case of BHS is 5 - 7 days; to make an accurate diagnosis, smears are taken from the bitch in the first days of estrus. One negative result does not mean anything; two smears, one after the other, are important. Don't forget to isolate a sick animal if you have a kennel. Not all antibiotics are safe for the puppy's body. For example, Endrofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin (quinol group) disrupt the development of cartilage and bone tissue in developing animals. There have been cases of puppies being born with a “cleft palate” in almost the entire litter, as well as the absence of milk teeth in puppies if the bitches received a course of antibiotics of this group before mating or during whelping. It is also not recommended to use tetracycline antibiotics (Doxocycline, Oxytetracycline), which have a negative effect on the bones and teeth of developing fetuses and are harmful to the mother. The group of aminoglycosides (Gentamicin, Kanamycin, Amikacin) can have a toxic effect on the kidneys of the fetus, so its use should be avoided during pregnancy. Among the safe antibiotics are the group of penicillins and cephalosporins. Penicillins (Penicilin G, Ampicilin, Amoxicillin) cross the placenta, but are safe for fetuses. Very good results of treatment were given by combination drugs of amoxicillin - Amoksiklav (Leck, Czech Republic) and Synulox (Pfeizer, Germany). Bacteriological examination of bitches is part of the solution to the problem of infertility. There is no need to draw erroneous conclusions and simply “prophylactically” feed the bitch a course of medications. As a result, you can get the opposite effect when the bitch loses its natural barrier, and strains of bacteria are formed that have increased resistance to antibiotics. The problem must be solved when it arises... 2. Worm infestation All puppies are born infected with roundworm larvae, which penetrate through the placenta from the mother's body into the fetus on the 42nd day of pregnancy. In this case, the mother may not be a carrier of sexually mature forms of parasites. Another possible route of infection is through milk. Hookworm larvae can also penetrate the skin. Spreading throughout the female's body, they penetrate the uterus, infecting the puppies. During the “journey” through the puppy’s tissues, which lasts about 20 days, the helminths reach the lungs, when the clinical picture of the disease is detected. The puppies are then two weeks old. The first litter is most affected, the next ones will be less affected, since the number of parasites in the mother’s muscles decreases, unless, of course, she becomes infected with them again. This disease is as severe as sepsis, and it is incurable. All that remains is to regularly deworm the puppies. In this regard, it is recommended, starting from the 14th day of life, to carry out preventive deworming of puppies every 14 days.

3. Herpes virus infection. The respiratory form of herpes in adult dogs is practically asymptomatic. But it is extremely important in the transmission of infection. Herpes is not only transmitted through sexual contact. A dog can become infected through airborne droplets, or, for example, through your clothing, and then abortion or resorption of the fetus occurs. A vaccine against canine herpesvirus infection has not been developed. Treatment of sick dogs should be aimed at increasing the overall resistance of the body and suppressing secondary bacterial infection. Herpes is one of the few diseases that any veterinarian can quickly diagnose by autopsy of a dead puppy. At the autopsy, traces of kidney damage specific to herpes are clearly visible. Puppies die from herpes only because they are unable to respond with an increase in temperature. At 2 to 3 weeks of age, puppies learn to control their body temperature. Previously, their body temperature depends on the environment. This phenomenon is called poikilothermy. Treatment of a litter in the case where a herpes infection was established based on the results of an autopsy of one of the puppies is to increase the ambient temperature. If your puppy dies, refrigerate the body (not freezing) and take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible for an autopsy. Then ask your veterinarian to explain how to raise the temperature of the remaining littermates. You can lose puppies at any time during pregnancy. Puppies may dissolve or be stillborn, and may become infected with the herpes virus during birth, in utero before birth, or through contact with infected secretions (airborne or through contact with vaginal secretions) after birth. Bitches infected with the herpes virus before or during mating never develop symptoms during pregnancy. The surest way to prevent the loss of puppies during pregnancy or after birth is to quarantine the bitch three weeks before breeding and keep her in quarantine for three weeks after whelping. To determine during pregnancy whether the bitch has recently come into contact with the herpes virus and therefore has not given birth to puppies, two serum samples are taken two weeks apart and the antibody titer to the herpes virus is determined. A change in antibody titer (fall or rise) indicates that the herpes virus could cause the loss of puppies during pregnancy. Herpes infection in a bitch, without causing premature termination of pregnancy, can cause low body weight in puppies at birth, their weakness or stillbirth. Puppies that survive a viral infection may have permanent damage to the nervous system, kidneys, or lymphoid tissue, and a choking puppy may have internal organ damage that can cause problems later in life. In adult dogs, the virus usually lies dormant, just like in humans, and wakes up in a stressful situation. Imagine stress during mating: - Temporary hormonal changes that prevent the body from successfully fighting infection. — Transportation, mating and transportation of the bitch again if she is going to a dog. — Possible concomitant bacterial infection of the genitourinary system. - Exhibitions. — In females older than five years, due to a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones. - Any stress, for example, temperature. The fact that stress can activate the herpes virus (which can then cause embryonic death during the first 3 weeks of pregnancy) may be a good explanation for the fact that a bitch who was undoubtedly whelping for the first four weeks, but failed to give birth, or that the litter was much smaller than expected. Almost any dog has been in contact with herpes. It cannot be said that this infection is transmitted only or mainly through sexual contact. Infection with herpes does not only occur during mating - the virus is usually transmitted by airborne droplets. The immunity that develops after exposure soon wears off and the dog is once again at risk of infection or a relapse of the dormant virus. In fact, it would be very difficult to say that any re-infection is due to relapse rather than new exposure to a highly contagious virus. Even a simple visit to a male dog can become a dangerous contact for a female dog; If bitches come to the kennel often, they can bring a new infection with them. If a stud dog or his kennel mates are participating in shows or visiting a training facility, virus shedding levels can be quite high. A dog simply cannot avoid contact with the virus in its habitat. But contact can be limited; If you have to travel to see a stud, avoid flying, stay in motels with your bitch, and do not leave her in the stud's kennel. If you are attending shows, change your clothes completely and wash yourself before approaching any of the mated bitches at home. If the kennel has dogs visiting the training area or shows, isolate the bitch from them and pay attention to grooming and cleaning her before others, always observing the “clean to dirty” rule. However, those bitches who live at home with their owners as pets and do not often meet other dogs or come into contact with viruses are more susceptible to infections than others. Such a bitch, when in contact with a virus carrier, will be exposed to a more serious danger than one that regularly comes into contact with the virus “in small doses.” A stud dog, after mating with an infected bitch, can be a carrier of the infection and be either the one who transmitted the infection to the bitch, or the one who received an acute infection from her during mating. It makes no sense to test for virus carriage during the mating period, since almost all individuals in the environment of the bitch may be at various stages of illness or recovery. It is worth repeating once again that respiratory infection is mild and its clinical symptoms are rare in adult dogs. Only paired blood serum samples taken at different times in order to determine an increase in antibody titer (disease development) or a decrease (recovery) can carry certain information. Obviously, it will be too late to use the information obtained in this way at the time of mating. The benefit of this paired antibody test is seen to be greater in determining the loss of puppies due to herpes infection after the fact. One can only confirm or exclude a viral infection as one of the possible causes of “fetal resorption”, a case of stillbirth or weakness of newborns. Shilova E.Yu (OMIKUDZI kennel) Materials used: books “Dog Breeding Techniques” edited by Dr. Dieter Fleig Germany. , magazine “Greyhounds of the Baltics” 2004, materials from the site rk-dalmatin.narod.ru From the site: https://www.omikudzi.ru/1i.html

Enteritis in puppies

The disease in terms of mortality in small pets is comparable to distemper. It is transmitted by airborne droplets and is carried on shoes and clothing.
With intestinal enteritis, it is painful for the puppy to lie down, when stroking it begins to arch, the intestinal tract is damaged by the virus, and inflammation occurs. The symptoms described earlier are similar to this disease. Death occurs quickly, within 1-3 days.
If a puppy's body is infected with a virus, immediate veterinary assistance is required. Is there no specialist in the locality? There is veterinary help via Skype. There are no hopeless situations.

Diagnostics

You will need to provide a thorough health history of your puppy, including a previous history of symptoms and any background information regarding your puppy's paternity. After a complete history, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination. Laboratory tests will include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, and urinalysis.

A blood test can reveal anemia, changes in white blood cell levels, including an abnormally low number of platelets (the cells responsible for blood clotting) and an increase in the number of white blood cells, commonly seen with infections. The biochemical profile may indicate abnormally low glucose levels (hypoglycemia) along with other changes, depending on which organs are most affected. A urine test can indicate the presence of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells, in the urine. It may also show bacteria present in the urine, which indicates a urinary tract infection. More specific testing would involve isolating the virus or bacteria from different body fluids. Your veterinarian will also perform a fecal examination to check for parasites.