As a passionate breeder, Sarah has always been dedicated to providing the best possible care for each of her pregnant females and their litters. But this time, things are not going as planned… Sarah’s newest litter of purebred Golden Retriever puppies is facing unexpected health complications that are threatening their survival.
It began subtly at first. The puppies were losing weight, and Sarah noticed they were not as active as she was used to seeing in her previous litters. She found them weaker, more listless, lacking the vigor and vitality that usually marked these early days of life. But what concerned her most was her inability to figure out why this was happening.
Sarah knew every day counted in the fight for their survival. She tried everything to help them nurse on their mother, but it seemed like they were struggling to do even that simple task. No matter what she did, her efforts seemed in vain. The puppies’ condition didn’t improve, and with each passing day, the stakes grew higher.
What is the cause of these health complications and how can Sarah ensure the survival and health of her puppies? This is the question that has been haunting Sarah, and she is determined to find the answers. The rest of this blog will provide guidance and practical tips for breeders like Sarah who are facing similar challenges in puppy rearing.
“The road to successful puppy rearing begins with understanding the key factors that impact the health and survival of puppies during their crucial first weeks of life.”
Uchańska et al, 2022
Neonatal mortality in puppies is a disconcerting issue, with mortality rates ranging from 8% to a staggering 20%, even in well-cared-for litters.
In my lectures on this subject, I emphasize a saying that underlines the significance of prevention: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The reason this resonates so deeply in this context is that prevention is often far simpler than rectification, particularly with newborn puppies.
The key, as I always stress, is to consider both the mother AND the puppies. Too often, the focus falls solely on one, ignoring the interconnected relationship that’s pivotal for understanding the full picture.
For the purpose of this blog, we will focus specifically on the maternal aspects. It’s a vital part of the equation to optimize the health of the newborns, and having a good understanding of the factors one needs to concentrate on here is essential for any dog professional.
By thoroughly examining the maternal anatomy, health status, nutrition, disease prevention, and proper management during pregnancy and delivery, this blog aims to arm you with the knowledge necessary to improve the chances of successful puppy rearing.
Tailored Care for Pregnant Females
The anatomy of the birth canal is an indispensable consideration in puppy rearing, particularly in brachycephalic breeds, which are more prone to obstetric complications.
In my practice, I firmly believe that especially in a primiparous bitch, assessing the birth canal prior to breeding is vital. This examination can begin with something as straightforward as a vaginal palpation. If anything feels amiss, I’d proceed with a vaginal endoscopy to better visualize the anatomy of the birth canal.
The goal is to ensure the absence of strictures or abnormal structures like a vaginal septum, which could obstruct the puppies at the time of parturition, leading to dystocia (=difficulty to give birth). Dystocia is something to be avoided at all costs, as it can cause neonatal mortality rates to surge.
Several other factors significantly contribute to the success of puppy rearing:
- Female Age: Recent reports indicate an increased risk of dystocia if females are bred for the first time at age 4. This finding underscores the importance of breeding bitches earlier in their breeding career, as waiting beyond the 4-year mark may elevate the risk of complications.
- Body Condition Score: As I frequently emphasize, only breed bitches in optimal body condition. UK studies have found that 20% of show dogs were overweight… and the extra-fat can infiltrate the myometrium and weaken uterine contractions at parturition. Conversely, an underweight condition can lead to “spastic” contractions. Both scenarios lead to the same unfortunate outcome. Using body condition score charts, which rank from 1 to 9, can assist in determining optimal condition (optimal = 4-5 on the scale).
- Number of Fetuses: A clear understanding of litter size is crucial. An X-ray at 50 days of gestation, performed by experienced radiologists, can accurately determine litter size. Older females, miniature and giant breed females with singleton pregnancies, and giant breed bitches carrying more than 11 fetuses are at a heightened risk for primary and secondary uterine inertia, posing a direct threat to puppy survival and warranting close monitoring and management.
By combining these insights with monitoring and management, we can significantly enhance the chances of a successful delivery and healthy puppy rearing.
Your Action Plan:
> Consider the anatomy of the birth canal
> Pay attention to breeds prone to obstetric complications (brachycephalic breeds)
> Monitor female age, body size, and number of fetuses to assess risk for primary and secondary uterine inertia
Managing the Health of the Dam
The health status of the dam during pregnancy is pivotal in puppy rearing, with particular attention to potential metabolic or hormonal disorders.
One hormonal disorder I primarily focus on during gestation is luteal failure, a condition related to the production of progesterone by the corpora lutea structures on the ovaries. Progesterone is essential to maintain gestation, and any failure in its production can lead to pregnancy arrest. While the cause of this failure is still not entirely clear, some researchers suggest an auto-immune mechanism. In bitches with a history of infertility, monitoring progesterone levels during gestation is vital, and if unexpected drops are detected, progesterone supplementation could be prescribed.
The monitoring of health during gestation goes beyond hormonal aspects:
- Potential Health Impacts: Anything that affects the health of the animal during gestation can alter its course. If abnormal signs are observed, immediate consultation with a veterinarian to understand the underlying issue and decide the best course of action is essential.
- Pregnancy Toxemia and Eclampsia: Particular attention must be paid to these conditions. Pregnancy toxemia, usually resulting from a bitch expecting a large litter and ceasing to eat, can severely affect her health. In such cases, the use of palatable canned food can ensure proper nutritional intake. Eclampsia, or canine hypocalcemia, can lead to birth difficulties or even seizures and hyperthermia. Although rare during gestation, over supplementation with calcium while feeding a balanced diet may cause this issue. Therefore, it’s critical not to supplement with calcium during gestation if the diet is already balanced.
- Weight Gain Monitoring: An easy and significant factor to track is weight gain. At parturition, a bitch should weigh 115-125% of her optimal body weight. This weight gain mainly occurs during the last 20 days of gestation, when puppies gain 70% of their birth weight. Monitoring the bitch’s body weight and adjusting the feeding regimen accordingly ensures she remains close to her optimal weight.
These elements form the core of proper care during pre- and postnatal periods, ensuring long-lasting positive effects on the offspring’s health and contributing to the success of puppy rearing.
Your Action Plan :
> Monitor weight, temperature and overall health of the dam
> Manage any complications that may arise during delivery
> Provide a clean, comfortable environment for the dam and her litter
Proper Nutrition and Disease Prevention
The pre- and postnatal factors of utmost significance in ensuring the health and survival of puppies encompass maternal nutrition, disease prevention, and proper management of the dam’s health during pregnancy and delivery.
- Nutrition During Gestation: The key principle in maternal nutrition is recognizing that puppies gain 70% of their birth weight during the last 20 days of gestation. Accordingly, nutrient intake should increase only during this period, starting 40 days after the beginning of gestation. For the initial 40 days, the bitch should be fed with a maintenance diet, like her typical adult diet or one specifically designed for this first part of gestation. Increasing energy and nutrient intake too early, as is common when switching to a growth diet at the outset of gestation, can lead to excessive fat accumulation, with associated complications. Proper timing of the switch is crucial, allowing for increased energy (+10%/week compared to maintenance), proteins, vitamins, and minerals to meet the needs of the growing puppies.
- Consideration of Supplements: While many seek to provide supplements during gestation, caution must be exercised, as nutrition is all about balance. Instead of adding various supplements, selecting a diet already enhanced with key nutrients like folic acid (for cleft palate prevention) and antioxidants (to better control increased oxidative stress in the uterus during gestation) can be more effective and convenient.
- Vaccination and Disease Prevention: Protecting against infectious diseases such as canine parvovirus or distemper through regular vaccination is crucial for both the dam and her litter. Proper vaccination ensures the transfer of maximum antibodies to the puppies via colostrum. However, I’d typically prefer for the bitches to be vaccinated prior to breeding, as immune system stimulation might lead to hyperthermia, impacting gestation outcomes. Exceptions do exist, and anticipation rather than last-minute decisions is the key, emphasizing the need for dialogue with a veterinarian.
Balancing adequate caloric intake, balanced nutrition, required supplements, and timely vaccination forms the essential triad of maternal care, which ensures the health and wellbeing of both the dam and the litter. By adhering to these guidelines, breeders can significantly contribute to proper development and survival of the puppies.
Your Action Plan :
> Ensure proper nutrition for the dam
> Adequate caloric intake, balanced nutrition, and supplements as needed
> Regular vaccination and deworming to prevent infectious diseases (canine parvovirus, distemper)
In conclusion, the complex and multifaceted nature of puppy rearing highlights the need for a deep understanding of the various maternal, pregnancy, and newborn-related factors that impact the health and survival of these delicate creatures. Whether it’s considering the anatomy of the birth canal, monitoring the health status of the dam, or ensuring proper nutrition and disease prevention, every aspect of puppy rearing requires a meticulous and diligent approach.
The success of puppy rearing requires a concerted effort from dog breeders and veterinarians alike. By collaborating and leveraging their unique expertise and knowledge, they can create a supportive and nurturing environment for the pregnant female and her litter, minimizing the risk of any health complications and ensuring that each and every puppy is given the best possible chance at a healthy and thriving life.
So let us embrace the challenge of puppy rearing, not just as a task, but as an opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact on the health and well-being of these precious creatures. Let us take the reins and strive towards the goal of successful puppy rearing, one mother, one litter, and one pup at a time.
Interested to learn more about canine neonatology? Download my free ebook on the topic HERE!
One of the most common challenge we encounter in breeding kennels is NEONATAL MORTALITY.
It can be very frustrating… even heart-breaking.
Good news though : you can do something about it !
We now have more knowledge than ever in this discipline.
In recent years, new research brought us a much better understanding of what can be done to optimize the health of newborn puppies.
By taking this course, this is what you will learn indeed !
DR. EMMANUEL FONTAINE 