Last week we wrote about the runt(s) in the newborn litter. Today we’ll concentrate on those puppies that were born seemingly normal, but, within weeks, exhibit a slower growth rate and a failure to thrive. This is a condition with which practising veterinarians are confronted whenever there is a spate of deliveries. (Dare we speak of a season–associated birthing?). It should be noted that this phenomenon of some of the newborns within the litter not attaining the expected body size and stature is not uncommon in kittens.
Stunted Growth (SG) is observed within the first 6-12 months of life, and may be seen in both male and female offspring. Some research scientists find this “dwarfism’ in certain breeds (e.g. German Shepherds), and relate it to a tardy development of certain important glands, such as the Pituitary Gland and the Thyroid Gland, which are associated with growth and development. Sometimes a physical deformity at birth could render the newborn pup unable to suckle. An example of such an anatomical deficiency is the Cleft Palate, found in the Shih Tzu breed, for example. A middle ear structure abnormality would contribute to FPS and SG.
Malnutrition, due to poor quality or inadequate quantity of feed, would lead to stunted growth. A heavy worm burden in the newborn puppies (you remember me documenting that if the mother dog is beladen with worms, those parasites would find themselves infecting the pups while the latter are still in their mother’s womb) is also a significant contributing factor to SG. The helminth (worm) burden at birth will take its toll on the newborn pups’ ability to thrive.
Other factors that contribute to FPS and SG.
– Geography and Seasonality
Certain infectious organisms are found more often in specific geographical areas. We use the word endemic to describe this occurrence. Further, seasonality has to play a role in the well-being or ailments in young pups/kittens. In the dry season, where dusty conditions abound (for example, dust currently coming all the way from the Sahara Desert in Africa over the Atlantic Ocean), kittens and puppies do not fare well – suffering from respiratory distress (breathing problems) which leads to an inability to optimally suck in oxygen into the young animal’s body.
– Juvenile Diabetes (yes, dogs can be afflicted with Diabetes);
– Congenital Cardiac Disease;
– Inborn Pancreas Insufficiency;
– Any muscle ailment characterized by progressive weakness and early signs of exhaustion (Myasthenia gravis);
– Enlarged digestive tracts.
WHAT PET CAREGIVERS WILL USUALLY OBSERVE AND REPORT
• The young companion animals lag behind the other litter mates, who are showing great vitality and strength; The ailing pups are not exhibiting an expected weight gain and stature.
• The diet recipe being used is not producing expected results. The young pups/kittens do not find the offered food to be palatable.
• Signs of mental dullness and a pronounced inability to engage in immediate social and environmental activities. Also, constant disorientation.
• Regurgitating food, especially after weaning.
• Diarrhoea; large masses of stool of varyng consistency.
• Constantly drinking water and urinating.
• Often the pups/kittens have a bloated abdomen.
• The limbs, trunk and head are not displaying the appropriate sizes relative to the litter mates, and to that which is expected of the breed.
[Actually, it would be a good idea for you and your veterinarian to have a discussion on how best to establish a good Body Condition Score (BCS) to determine a good or poor thrift. This action is a helpful monitor].
FPS AND SG – SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
FPS/SG shows itself in a pup/kitten that was apparently vigorous and healthy at birth, but then fails to gain weight, loses strength and vitality, and its willingness to feed. Some cases may be due to those symptoms and conditions listed above (immaturity, birth defects, environmental stores, genetic factors, etc.). The FPS and SG may be reversible if the cause is obvious or can be easily ascertained by your veterinarian, and steps are taken to correct the causative factor(s) when possible.
HAPPY ARRIVAL DAY, DEAR READERS!
