Cross Breeds

What can you do for puppies suffering from fading puppy syndrome?

I had the puppies to the vet and he gave them fluid under the skin and recommended giving them a drop of karo syrup before bottle feeding them. Although the mother has milk they are not sucking from her. Because they are dehydrated we are mixing the Just Born formula half and half with water. The whelping area is 80+ degrees. The puppies are 9 days old. Any suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated. I am also wondering if this is genetic or if it could be an infection.

Public Comments

1. Assuming you have checked for and eliminated any possible congential defects that may be the cause, I would continue the subcutaneous hydration and karo syrup along with warming. They may also need to be tube fed during this time instead of relying on nursing. Have your vet discuss tube feeding techniques with you. I have kept several fading pups (due to C-section complications) alive and they went on to become outstanding conformation champions. Sometimes it is worth it.
2. best to consult with your experienced breed mentor
3. i would ask the vet about tube feeding till the puppies are strong enough to eat on their own...tube feeding would make sure they are getting enough liquid to keep them hydrated..i really know nothing about fading puppy syndrome....
4. how many puppies did the mother have? It is not uncommon for one or several of the pups from a litter to die. I am not sure that I would dilute the formula. If you are not doing so already, I would switch from the powder to the ready to drink formula. Do not dilute it because it is gaged for the correct nutritional value. Warm the formula slightly by holding the bottle under warm, running water or by placing it in a cup containing warm water. Make sure the hole is big enough for the pups to actually get milk out of it (canned goats milk is also great). If they can not suckle, use an eye dropper. Be careful not to overfeed. Their belly should feel well rounded but not tight. You also need to make sure they go to the bathroom after you feed them. Use a warm, soft and wet washcloth to gently rub around their anal area. This will simulate the mother's licking and will prompt them to eliminate waste. Good luck