puppies dying 3 days old....very quickly

by tam
(virginia)

Female red bone....had 8 puppies...they all were nursing and looked good....one started turning purple, stopped nursing, died...then another one and another...we are down to 3....took to vet...he thinks they have some type of bacterial infection and gave them a 3 day shot...we are trying to feed with a syringe...every 4 hours.

These pups have "pimples" on bellies, paws are purplish and around nose is purplish....any ideas? female had a breast that looked like it was rupturing....and she has been bleeding a lot...she also lost a lot of hair in spots before giving birth on day 2 we thought we had lost her... she was lifeless, her head would just flop.. but we got her up and she is fine.








Hi Tam
I wish I was a veterinarian and could give you some more insight here, but I'm afraid I haven't seen or experienced this type of problem and I really can't say what could be wrong.

From what you describe though this is much more than 'fading puppy' syndrome, or inadequate milk supply etc. I would personally think that your vet is right in suspecting an infection or illness of some sort, especially given that the momma dog has been sick herself. Infections can be transmitted to the pups in the womb, or at birth, or in the mommas milk, it all depends.

I think your best chance of saving these little guys is to make sure that they get any vet treatment that is recommended and that you continue to feed them yourselves so that they are getting nourishment, but hopefully not any bacteria from the momma dog. Even though she seems fine now, I would have her examined by your vet so that you can find out what is wrong. That may shed some light on what's going on with your puppies.

I wish I could help more, but your vet is in the best position to give these pups a chance. I wish you lots of luck and hope these babies survive.