NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BradWV]

Tuesday morning I had a litter of 6 pups born. They all seemed to be healthy. They have been growing like weeds and seem to be very active. Yesterday morning I went out to check them and 2 were dead....this morning another had died. The box has nothing but a rug on the floor and I do have a heater that keeps it around 75 in the box. The mother has had diahrea since a couple days before she had them. It was initially the pudding looking stuff. I changed her food to a chicken rice food and it has gotten worse. I even noticed this morning that there was a little bit of red blood not dark in it. There is no mucus that I can see in her stool. She acts fine and doesn't seem to be sick. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS: I did notice that the dog I had her kenneled with up until a week before she had the pups also has the puddin stool.

[Farwest]

Sounds like hook worms to be. Best get the pups to a vet asap.

[mtneerbp]

Brad I had a litter of coonhound pups die like that. It was a infection in the dams milk cant remember what the vet called it but I lost the whole litter in just a few days. Could be just a couencidece (spelling?) the runny stool did she eat any of the pups that will give her diarea GOOD LUCK Feel Sorry for ya looseing all them pups, It doesnt sound like parvo you can usally smell that nasty stuff

[BradWV]

It isn't parvo...I have seen it before...the dam is full of fire and energy....just has the craps....no vets anywhere around today. I will have her and the remaining pups (if they make it) at the vets in the morning. I am disappointed in losing them, but the wife is pretty tore up over it.

[Pike Ridge Beagles]

I'd start antibiotics right away on the bitch. Sounds like an infection. TSC sells antibiotic ...Penn-G and it is not expensive. PM me for the dosage. First, call the vet.
Sorry to hear about this Brad and I wish you luck.

Ed

[BradWV]

I have some antibiotics. Kind of afraid to give them to her and possibly cause a mis diagnosis on her in the am. Then again I hate not to give it to her and the other 2 pups die and think that it may have saved them.......between a rock and a hard spot!

What is odd about it is that ALL of these pups are big heath growing like weeds pups. There isn't/wasn't any of them that looked bad. Even after they died.

[Big River Beagles S]

Give the antibiotics it won't hurt the pups

[JRupert]

Brad I know it sounds sick but wherer is the diarhea stuff coming from. I had a female that had pups once and had a similar problem. I thought she had diarhea also until I actually saw it come from her vagina. Luckily I never lost any pups. The vet said it was a type of discharge associated with an infection. Maybe not all the afterbearth came out or could possibly be another pup inside. Get her to a vet first thing tomarrow. As for antibiotics i am not sure. Let us know how you make out. Hope for the best

[JRupert]

Brad just for the hell of it Iooked in my book called Dog owner home veterinaryhand book and found Acute metritis Which is pretty much what I said. It is a heavy, dark bloody greenish or tomato souplike discharge that appears2-7 days after whelping Do not confuse with discharge in the first 12-24 hoursCould have high fever excessive thirst and vomiting Treatment word for word-Is life threatening.A vet should be consulted immediatly to save the life of the dam. USUALLY PUPPIES WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN OFF THE MOTHER AND REARED BY HANDAS SHE MAY BE TOO SICK TO TAKE CARE OF THEM. hER MILK MAY BE TOXIC

[harechaserWV]

Could you bottle feed the pups until you find out what it is? Walmart sells puppy formula as well as any pet/feed store, that way they won't get anymore infected milk if that's what it is...

[oakhill]

Coccidia I would say.

Coccidia are tiny single-celled parasites that live in the wall of your dog’s intestine. They are found more often in puppies, but they can also infect older dogs (and cats).
Dogs become infected by swallowing soil that contains coccidia or other substances in the environment that may contain dog feces.
How will coccidia affect my dog?
Coccidiosis, the disease caused by coccidia, may not cause any signs in dogs but is usually more serious in puppies. The most common sign of coccidiosis is diarrhea. More severe infections can cause bloody diarrhea. Severe infections, especially in puppies, can kill them.
How do I prevent my dog from getting coccidia?
Coccidial infections can be prevented by removing your dog’s feces regularly from your yard or other areas where the dog goes to the bathroom. Because coccidia are found most often in puppies, it is important to have puppies examined for the parasite as soon as possible. Your veterinarian can perform a fecal test to diagnose coccidiosis. If your dog is infected with coccidia, your veterinarian is able to give it effective medications.
Can my cat get coccidia from my dog?
A dog infected with coccidia cannot pass the infection to cats and vice versa. Coccidial infections occur only by swallowing the coccidia in soil or dog feces.
• Coccidia infection can cause diarrhea, and can be fatal, especially in puppies. However, many dogs show no symptoms.
• Dogs get coccidia from swallowing infected soil or substances containing dog feces.
• Removing dog feces from your yard and the dog's environment is the best protection.
• Your veterinarian can test, and treat if necessary, your dog for coccidia. Puppies should be tested regularly.



No vomiting??? What about the water supply??? You better get to a vet real quick and get some albon suspenion for those pups. Bet their poop stinks, right? I mean a distinct odor??? Clean out the whelping box real good. You can take a stool sample in to the vet with you and they can check it. Dam been wormed good? Just trying to think this thru

Could be the dam's milk is bad or fading pup syndrone.
Fading Puppy Syndrome
Fading Puppies.

By John Kohnke BVSc RDA. Consultant to Vetsearch International


Some puppies, despite adequate feed, do not thrive and as a result grow
poorly. They often suffer from a variety of digestive upsets and respiratory
problems as part of their general ill-thrift condition. Sometimes the failure
to thrive can affect a single pup in a litter, or, in more severe cases, a
number of puppies will develop what is often termed "fading puppy syndrome",
and die within 5 - 10 days.

Many of these puppies are vigorous and healthy at birth, but within 2-10 days
lose their interest in nursing. They often"cry" in a monotonous way as though
they are in pain or discomfort. They lose body weight, crawl into corners
away from the rest of the litter and die, despite careful nursing.

A normal puppy will sleep most of the time until it is 3-4 weeks of age. Most
puppies will suckle, sleep and may crawl over each other during the first 2-3
weeks. If a pup does not do this it should be carefully examined. Most new
born puppies up to 3-4 days of age, will curl up when placed belly up on the
palm of the hand. After this time and up until about 3 weeks of age, a
healthy puppy will stretch out when picked up and lift its legs up. Any puppy
that does not show this response, should be treated as being abnormal, or
having some sort of nervous condition, or likely to have "fading puppy
syndrome".

The common term, "fading puppy syndrome", describes the symptoms, rather than
an actual or separate disease, in young puppies. Affected young puppies are
generally less active, lack vitality, and often fade away, and finally die
within 2-3 weeks of birth. They often fail to gain body weight in proportion
to their age and their litter mates, despite appearing to suckle well and
consume part of their special puppy food, e.g.. Farex and milk, from the
first week of age. In most cases, fading puppies will suffer a low-grade
infection with a virus or bacterial germ. However, occasionally, failure to
thrive can be due to inborn metabolic errors, from a genetic or development
abnormality, or other internal digestive malfunction in the young puppy.
Puppies that seem normal at birth but rapidly deteriorate within the first
2-4 days, are most likely to have a bacterial infection, which can cause them
to lose interest in nursing and deteriorate from the first day of birth.
Usually, these puppies die within the first 2-5 days after birth, although
some may linger on, depending on the amount of nursing and any other type of
therapy that is given.

Bacterial Germ Infection: Bacterial germs can gain entry in the womb birth
canal or through the navel stump. However, in most cases, it is thought that
the bitch herself carries the infection in her womb prior to birth, and the
Staph, Strep, and E-Coli germs contaminate the pup's digestive system and
blood. In severe cases, the contamination can be spread as the bitch licks
her new-born puppies to warm and clean them after birth. In sever cases,
puppies that are born small and weak may already be infected by the germs
that build up in the womb, because of a low-grade infection in the uterine
horns themselves. Most of the puppies that develop a severe sepicaemic
infection during the first 2-4 days of birth usually are born healthy. They
are initially active, but start to deteriorate within the first 12-24 hours.
As compared with a viral infection, which occurs at a later stage from 1-2
weeks of age, puppies with a bacterial infection, which occurs at a later
stage between 1-2 weeks of age, puppies with a bacterial infection, usually
lose condition and appetite within a few hours. The most significant sign is
swelling and distension of the belly. The navel cord often becomes more
prominent and reddened due to infection.

Young puppies do not have a lot of reserves, and infection quickly sets up a
lethal toxic reaction. It is essential to get them to your vet as soon as
possible so that suitable antibiotic treatment, usually Lincomycin, can be
given. The naval stump should be treated with antiseptics, such as a weak
iodine solution, to dry it out and reduce the risk of it maintaining an
active route of infection.

Proper nursing to ensure that the puppies are kept warm and fed with bottles
will help to increase the chance they will recover. However, it is most
important not to waste time hoping the puppies will get better and improve.
You must recognize the problem as soon as possible, particularly if a puppy
starts to fade and develop a bloated tummy, and promptly seek advice from
your et. Some breeders separate affected puppies away from the other ones so
that they do not have a chance of spreading any infection on their skin and
naval cords as the bitch licks them and transfers it to the other puppies.
However, again your vet will give you advice on the best way to manage the
sick puppies.

Viral Problems:: In most cases, the range of normal canine viruses that are
present in the environment can affect the young, new-born puppy. The bitch
herself may be immune, but the puppies can be susceptible, depending on their
colostrum intake. studies earlier in Australia have shown that the Canine
Herpes Virus, a flu-like virus,can be a cause for fading puppy syndrome, with
typical signs of lethargy, crying, and oozing of mucus exudates from the nose
and eyes. It is most commonly observed in puppies in a crowded nursing area.
Usually, puppies are affected under one week of age and die over a two-three
week period. Although some puppies may die within 12-24 hours of becoming
less active, others may linger on, depending on the amount of nursing and
care given to support them. However, on post mortem, most puppies that die
show bleeding of the liver surface and also often haemorrhages and bluish
congestion in the bowels. The kidneys may also lose colour, feel soft and
mushy and have internal haemorrhages throughout the cut surface.
Diagnosis of this type is obviously a job for your vet, and this can help
confirm that sickness is caused by a virus present in the kennel group.
Unfortunately, if a virus is suspected, there is no targeted treatment
available, and supportive therapy and good nursing is the only way to help a
puppy fight the viral disease. Often the weaker and smaller puppies in a
litter are the first to fade.

Support Theraphy:If given early enough, a course of antibiotics over 5-7 days
can help to delay the onset of secondary bacterial infection of viral damaged
tissue in the lungs, gut or liver. However, the most effective supportive
therapy, is to give an injection of blood serum from another healthy animal.
Collection of the blood and preparation of the serum is a job strictly for
your vet. It is best to allow your vet to take a blood sample from a dog that
has been boosted recently. Alternatively, one that has a full vaccination
course with regular annual boosters against the common viral infections that
affect dogs, can be used a s a donor. The bitch herself can be used as a
serum donor if she has been vaccinated during pregnancy, and some of the
weaker pups did not suckle enough colostrum to give them adequate protection
in the first place. However, if the bitch was not vaccinated, or her puppies
have received adequate colostrum, and still fade, then she may have low blood
antibody levels herself. he would not be a suitable donor in this case.

Various other studies have suggested that puppies may be infected by a bitch
that has not been vaccinated regularly. The virus localises and spreads
through the membranes during the whelping process, or by inhalation of the
virus after birth as the puppies are licked by their mother, or become
contaminated in a heavily crowded puppy area. It is important therefore, to
ensure the bitch is given a booster "4 in 1 shot" at between 4 to 6 weeks
prior to whelping (no later). Consult your own vet on the best vaccine type
and combination to use. Nowadays, with a wide range of excellent vaccines
available, a planned vaccination program carried out during pregnancy, can
help to boost the immunity passed in the colostrum, or first milk, against
common viruses. Most puppies that suckle strongly will take in enough
colostrum antibodies to protect them against minor viral infections during
the first 2-3 weeks of age.

Maintain Warmth:It is most important of course to keep puppies warm for the
first week to ten days of age. During this time they rely on external warmth
to keep them warm, either from the bitch curled up around them, or the
bedding. If puppies are not gaining weight and suckling properly, then they
should be considered to be abnormal and require investigation. Most health
young puppies will double their birth weight in the first 7 to 10 days of
birth and then double it again within the next three weeks. Normally, younger
puppies have a lower body temperature of 36.5 -37 degrees C., which begins to
increase after the first two weeks of age. This is because puppies lose a lot
of heat into the environment, and their body temperature is lower. Once they
start to generate their own heat from metabolism, and can shiver from about
two weeks of age, they maintain a higher body temperature of 37.5-38 degrees
C.

It is always a good idea to nurse young puppies that are sick by keeping them
in a warm area, as cold conditions weaken their resistance when exposed to
chilling. If they move away from a warming light overnight, or crawl away
from the rest of the puppy group, it will increase the cold stress and hasten
the onset of their deterioration. Lack of adequate nest bedding and a
protected area for the bitch, also increases the risk of fading puppy
syndrome, particularly during the colder months. Besides ensuring young
puppies, weak or less active ones in particular, are kept warm,attentive
nursing of sick or fading puppies is paramount to their chance of recovery.
Loss of body heat and chilling is a common reason for rapid decline in sick
puppies. Their large body surface relative to their size, with little hair to
insulate against heat loss, increases the risk of hypothermia as they fade.

Monitor Floor Temperature:Purchase an accurate household room thermometer and
place it at the level of the bedding, obviously protected from accidental
damage as the bitch moves around. It is important to monitor the temperature
bedding level, as this is likely to be the coolest area. Warm air rises, and
even if there is a warm zone at our head height, it may be colder at floor
level. Do not over-heat puppies with infra-red lamps. For the first week of
life, maintain floor temperature at 30 degrees C., and at about 25-27 degrees
C. for older puppies. Adjust heat lamps or Column oil-filled heaters to
maintain this temperature range, especially overnight. Your vet will give you
specific nursing advice for very sick puppies. However, it is essential that
you give therapy at timed intervals, and complete the course of treatment,
even if puppies recover and regain their strength and vitality.

Maintain Fluids and Energy:Pupies that are under stress of disease, or are
losing body weight, have a much better chance of recovery if they are given
fluids to prevent dehydration. It is best to give fluids warmed to body heat.
This is best gauged by adding clean, warm water until drops of the fluid
placed on the bare skin the underside of your wrist do not feel cold or hot.
Although a sugar solution, to provide energy and fluids, made up by adding
one and one half teaspoons of glucose per 100ml of boiled water (seven and
one half percent glucose), is the optimum concentration. It is best to
provide electrolytes as well with the glucose drink. A rehydration fluid,
such as Recharge is ideal, as it contains glucose and electrolytes in the
combined formulation. However, it must be diluted before giving to puppies
and extra glucose must be added.

This is the recipe- Keep it filed away in case you ever need it !

Add 5ml of "Recharge" to 100ml(about half a cupful) of boiled water that has
been cooled to blood heat. Mix 5g (one teaspoonful) of glucose powder into
the 100ml of made up Recharge. Stir well and ensure it is at blood
temperature before feeding. This energy and electrolyte solution can be given
with a small nursing bottle and teat to puppies that can still suckle, or
with an eye dropper to puppies that are too weak.. I normally recommend that
you carefully pick up the puppy by wrapping it in a small towel-type face
washer and gently hold it with its head upright when giving it the
rehydration mixture. After the puppy has been given the mixture, it will
normally want to sleep. Place it back gently in a warm place, still wrapped
in the face washer, with its head out.

As a guide, puppies should be given about 10-15ml of the mixture per 100g of
body weight over a 24 hour period, or roughly 5ml(I teaspoonful) per 100g
bodyweight very 6-8 hours.

It is important to consult your vet immediately, if a puppy develops diarrhea
or becomes dehydrated and less active, despite your expert nursing care.=

[oakhill]

If the dam has an infection you can usually tell by the odor or smell. It will be gross.

[S.R.Patch]

I'd use amoxi on the bitch and pups. Feed the pups by hand, esbilac or goat milk. You got a two fold problem then, keeping up with the pups and keeping the bitches milk from going hard. I like valbazen for gut problems. Microbes like guardia.

[Ed Brown]

Hey Brad, sorry about the pups. One thing that I've experienced is the bitch having what is called "acid milk". My vet told me to take the bitch off any dairy product like puppy chow, which is coated with some form of dairy product, says it was partly responsible for the runs in the bitch, I guess it was too much for her. Anyways, I had to tube feed the remaining pups after 6 out of 9 had died. Tube feeding is much easier than trying to get the weak pups to suck on a bottle. I was quite reluctant to try this but once I understood it, I would never go back to trying to get them to nurse. Most times the pups are just too weak to nurse anyways. I saved 3 of that litter. Coarse all cases are different, never exactly the same circumstances. But if you take the pups away and tube feed a good formula, you've done what you can. If you want to try the tube feeding, your vet can supply you with the equipment and show you how yo measure the tube and mark it. Quite simple. Even I could do it. Call me if you'd like.

[eddywilliams]

Give her some bene-bac it will kill any infection in the bowls from her eating something like feces.... it is for infection in the intestines that a brooding gyp can get ,even after the pups are born she can get it from cleaning them ,diarrhea and all that .