Canine neonatal disorders

Puppy mortality rates in the first 7 days of life are reported at about 26%, with reported causes including bacterial, viral, and protozoal infections; parasitism; maternal neglect or trauma; and the broad disorder termed “fading puppy syndrome” that most likely is a manifestation of one or more of the disorders are described in this chapter. Four major consequences of disease must be considered in any sick neonate: hypoglycemia, hypothermia, hypoxia, and hypovolemia. Septicemia is body-wide infection, presumably commonly associated with bacteremia. The most common viral cause of diarrhea in puppies is canine parvovirus (CPV) with other viruses including canine distemper and coronavirus. These causes of diarrhea are described in the chapter. Dermatophytosis, or ringworm, is most commonly caused in pups by the organisms Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. If neonates die during treatment, necropsies should be performed and tissues submitted.