Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based upon the clinical
presentation and history.
In
fading puppy syndrome no lesions are found at post-mortem examination.that
confirm the cause. The gastrointestinal tract is usually empty.
Whole
blood cultures may be helpful to identify an infectious agent.
Post-mortem
examination should be performed as soon as possible on puppies that die, to try
and identify an underlying cause.
Treatment
Colostrum is important to confer shrt-term passive immunity to the puppy.
Food intake must be maintained and body temperature kept within the normal range
by using heat lamps, warm bedding etc. Adequate water intake must be maintained
to prevent dehydration, and if necessary parenteral fluids should be
administered. Perineal stimulation is needed to encourage urination and
defaecation.
If an underlying cause is identified this should be treated, eg antibiotics
if a bacterial infection is present. Antibiotics are also useful to prevent
secondary infections in debilitated puppies.
In critical cases oxygen should be administered (via a tracheal catheter if
necessary) as well as fluids (lactated Ringer's solution with potassium
(20mmol/L) by intravenous, intraperioneal or intraosseous (proximal femur)
routes) and antibiotics.
Other treatments that may be indicated depending upon clinical signs include
:
- Doxapram - if the puppy has breathing difficulties
- Vitamin K - if the puppy has blood clotting problems