FADING PUPPY SYNDROME
Introduction:
Fading Puppy Syndrome (FPS), also known as the “Fading Puppy Complex,” is a term used to describe the condition where seemingly healthy puppies fail to thrive and often die within the first two weeks of life.
It accounts for approximately 50% of all neonatal canine deaths. This occurs despite the dam being healthy, having a normal pregnancy, and producing sufficient milk.
Causes of Fading Puppy Syndrome:
The causes of FPS can be categorized as environmental, genetic, or infectious. Alternatively, they may be grouped into maternal, neonatal, and environmental/managemental factors.
| Cause | Details |
| Environmental | Hypothermia/Hyperthermia: New-borns cannot regulate body temperature effectively in the first week |
| Cold puppies cannot nurse or digest food; extreme cases may lead to death. | |
| Hyperthermia, though less common, may occur in hot climates or with excess heating. | |
| Maternal Factors | Older or overweight dams are at higher risk. |
| Neglect by the dam can result in inadequate warmth and feeding for the puppies. | |
| Infectious Causes | Includes bacterial infections (e.g., peritonitis, septicaemia), viruses (e.g., herpes), and other pathogens. |
Symptoms and Progression:
FPS often manifests with a triad of symptoms:
1.Hypothermia
2.Dehydration
3.Hypoglycemia
Affected puppies may cry persistently, exhibit bloating, become lethargic, and fail to nurse. Symptoms typically appear shortly after birth, with most puppies succumbing within 4–5 days of onset if untreated.
Infectious Causes:
| Infection type | Details |
| Peritonitis | Bacterial infection from umbilical cord contamination. Symptoms: crying, bloating, tender abdomen. |
| Septicaemia | Bloodstream infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria |
| Herpes virus | Transmitted during whelping; symptoms include green stools, crying, and depression. |
Treatment Options:
- Hypothermia Management-
- Gradual rewarming to 95°F is essential.
- Puppies should be maintained in an environment of 95–100°F to stabilize.
- Dehydration and Hypoglycaemia Management-
- Administer warm sugar water (4 tsp sugar per 4 oz water) orally every 30 minutes (2 cc per 8 oz of body weight).
- Infectious Causes-
- For herpes virus, environmental temperatures should be raised above 100°F to inhibit viral replication.
- Antiviral treatments like acyclovir (used in humans) may be considered under veterinary supervision.
- Prevention Strategies:
| Aspect | Recommendations |
| Breeding practices | Test breeding pairs for infectious agents like Brucellosis and Clostridium perfringens. |
| Ensure sterile techniques during tail docking and umbilical cord cutting. | |
| Dam’s health | Ensure optimal health through parasite checks, vaccinations, and balanced nutrition. |
| Monitor weight (target increase: 15–25% by whelping). | |
| Provide a high-protein (≥29%), high-fat (≥17%) growth/lactation diet during pregnancy and lactation | |
| Neonatal care | Maintain consistent temperature and humidity in the puppies’ environment |
| Prompt veterinary intervention for any signs of illness. |
Nutritional Guidelines for the Dam:
| Nutrient | Recommended level |
| Protein | ≥29% |
| Fat | ≥17% |
| Calcium | 1–1.85% |
| Phosphorus | 0.8–1.6% |
| Sodium | 0.3–0.7% |
| Ca:P ratio | Higher in favour of calcium |
Apoorva Rawat1, Meena Mrigesh2 Simran jeet Singh3,
