Topics in canine neonatology and pediatrics

Abstract

Puppy mortality can occur in utero, during whelping, after birth, in the first weeks of life, or after weaning and has been reported to be as high as 26%.1 However, about half of all puppies that fail to survive to weaning are stillborn or die within the first three days of life. Factors implicated in these perinatal deaths include prematurity, in utero infection with viruses such as canine distemper and canine parvovirus, anatomic birth defects, birth trauma during difficult birth (dystocia), inadequate nutrition, maternal neglect, and environmental stresses. As a result, predisposing factors of perinatal death include factors such as difficult birth (dystocia), malformations from inherited disorders or congenital defects, low birth weight (15% or more lower than the average in the litter), maternal illness and lack of preventative health care (vaccination, parasite control, etc.), unfavorable environmental conditions, and infectious agents. A main focus point of intervention is prevention of predisposing factors as well as early identification and treatment of at risk neonates.2 Prevention focuses on pre-breeding health and genetic screening of sire and dam, optimal husbandry, managing labor and delivery to reduce stillbirths, controlling parasitism, reducing infectious disease, preventing injury and environmental exposure, and optimizing nutrition of the dam and neonates.