Early Death (Fading Puppy Syndrome) in Dogs

Early or sudden death in puppies is usually referred to as fading puppy syndrome. The death is often preceded by few or very short signs of illness. This is most common in the first week of life, but may occur up to 3 weeks old. A number of different conditions can cause fading puppy syndrome. Sometimes solitary puppy deaths are related to a birth defect that was not immediately apparent. Sometimes the mother will fail to care for the weaker or smaller members of the litter. Young puppies have poorly developed immune systems. They acquire antibodies from the milk the mother dog produces directly after birth, called the colostrum. Puppies that fail to nurse adequately will not receive these antibodies and are much more likely to catch a serious infection. Sometimes a breast infection (mastitis) or calcium deficiency in the mother can limit her milk supply. Canine herpesvirus is another common cause of fading puppy syndrome. This virus can be passed from the mother in utero or from infected fluids after birth. It is usually not symptomatic in adults, but it causes death in puppies up to about 3 weeks of age. If the mother has the virus, the puppies may be born weak to begin with, or even stillborn.

Sometimes puppies appear to be healthy at birth but die suddenly in the first few weeks of life. Veterinarians define this as fading puppy syndrome or sudden death in puppies. A number of different conditions are responsible for these deaths.

Most signs of illness last only about 24 hours before death occurs. Sometimes illness may be preceded by low weight and failure to thrive. Call the veterinarian as soon as you notice any of the following signs.

• Low weight at birth
• Failure to gain weight
• Ignored by the mother
• Soft stools or diarrhea
• Continual crying
• Painful abdomen (puppy may make paddling movements)
• Vomiting
• Salivation
• Difficulty breathing

Types

Fading puppy syndrome may be infectious or congenital.

• Infectious – this is more of a concern since it could be a danger to other members of the litter.
• Congenital – either a birth defect or a runt that was underdeveloped at birth.

The two types overlap since mother dogs often fail to care as well for weak or small puppies and these animals are more liable to develop infection.

These are the most common causes and contributing factors. 

• Inadequate maternal care
• Lack of milk production in the mother
• Lack of feeding time compared to siblings
• Birth defect
• Low weight at birth (runt of the litter)
• Neonatal septicemia – bacterial infection that becomes systemic and kills the puppy very quickly
• Viral infection (often inherited from the mother) Canine herpesvirus, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, canine adenovirus 
• Intestinal parasite especially hookworm

The veterinarian will examine the puppy physically for signs of infection, birth defects or other problems. Blood, urine, and fecal samples may also be taken. Often death occurs too suddenly for diagnosis or treatment. In this case, it’s a good idea to take the puppy for posthumous examination anyway, so the cause can be determined since some conditions could pose a threat to other members of the litter.

The veterinarian will want to know the medical history or the mother as well as recent vaccinations and any prior births or pregnancies. There is no vaccination for canine herpesvirus. Over time, the mother will develop antibodies which she will pass on to subsequent litters, so this disease will not be present in several litters from the same mother. Signs of illness or abnormal behavior in the mother dog can also be relevant. The veterinarian will likely need to examine her also to check for signs of mammary or uterine infection, as well as glandular problems that can cause low blood calcium during lactation and lead to poor milk production. Bloodwork and urine tests will likely be needed.

The veterinarian will give you instructions on how to care for the remaining puppies. This can often limit instances of fading puppy syndrome. Young puppies need to maintain a temperature around 85-90⁰ Fahrenheit. Heating lamps can help, especially if the mother is neglecting or pushing away some puppies. Puppies that are ignored repeatedly may need to be bottle fed to supplement nutrition. The puppy’s bedding should be changed regularly and cleaned thoroughly.

Puppies with bacterial infection may be given antibiotics. The mother may also need to be treated with antibiotics for a mammary infection and the puppies may need to be removed and fed by hand until she is able to produce milk again. Calcium supplements for the mother may also be necessary.

Viral causes of fading puppy syndrome are difficult to treat. If the puppies don’t receive adequate antibodies from the colostrum, they will be at risk until they are old enough to be vaccinated. If canine herpesvirus or another virus is directly inherited from the mother, the remaining puppies may be separated to avoid further infection.

Prevention is the best way to manage early death in puppies. Regular vaccinations in the mother dog can help to reduce the puppies’ likelihood of exposure to viruses. The dam should be monitored for bacterial infections or canine herpesvirus during pregnancy. Maintaining her health throughout the gestation and lactation period is extremely important for the puppies’ survival. Practicing good hygiene when handling the puppies can also help to minimize the spread of infection. Some early deaths may be unavoidable, however, especially if the puppy has a problem at birth.