Within the first week or two, new-born puppies exhibit several skin infections, which exhibit themselves as scabs and blisters. Usually, the blisters would contain pus, and they appear on specific areas of the puppy’s body; for example, on the underbelly.
Q: What would be the appropriate treatment???
A:Whenever pus develops at the site of the blisters, it means that an infection has occurred. It also means that there has been a lack of proper hygiene in the birthing area and in and around the whelping box, allowing for multiplication of germs. The treatment must therefore be consistent with addressing the causative factors.
Keep the area devoid of leftover food, dried stool, damp urine containing bedding, and debris. I suggest the area in which the puppies are kept not be cleansed with strong detergents and heavily concentrated sanitizers; diluted “Pine Sol”, “Smell-o-Pine” and the like would suffice.
The infections on the skin could be cleansed with sterilized salt water, or with hydrogen peroxide, or with anti-bacterial soap. After the infected area has been wiped dry, the caregiver can rub thin layers of antibiotic creams in the areas where the pustules are concentrated. Repeat this procedure twice per day.
Q: How does the caregivers treat eye infections in the new-born pup?
A:An eye infection often reveals itself even before the puppy’s eyes open (at 13,14,15 days after birth). As previously advised, please do not prise the eyelids apart too early, and please do not do so too roughly.
Since the eye is such a sensitive organ, especially in new-born puppies, it would be better for your veterinarian to institute the curative interventions. Press sterilised (boiled) cotton balls gently against the eyeball in a wiping motion. Look at the cotton ball to see if there is pus involved, which would suggest an infection. Your vet would also guide you through the more specific procedures depending on the assessed severity of the infection. An antibiotic solution/cream — specifically, one that is produced to be used in infected eyes, and labelled for ophthalmologic use only — may be required.
Q: How does the caregiver apply the antibiotic drops or cream?
A: For pups whose eyes are discharging pus, your vet may advise using liquid antibiotic eye drops. One can purchase the droppers or small syringes from any pharmacy. Usually, the medication is presented in bottles with nozzles. Place 2-3 drops of the antibiotic solution, via the aperture, through which the discharge is oozing. Apply the medication at least once every 8 hours. Gently massage the eyelid over the eyeball to disperse the antibiotic medication.
N.B: Try firstly to contact your vet for advice, not only about the preferred antibiotics, but also how to apply the medication. If one does not possess the confidence to apply the meds to the eyeball, especially if the active young pup is squirming too much, one should seek technical assistance. One does not want to inflict irreversible damage to the eyeball.
1. Do not dismiss the problem, believing that it would go away on its own. If your intervention is not producing the expected results, then knowledgeable technical treatment must be acquired.
2.As with all medication, do not purchase preparations which are expired, or those which do not contain the active ingredients that the vet has prescribed. And store same at the recommended temperatures.
AILMENTS OF YOUNG PUPPIES
So far, we have been dealing with eye ailments associated with new-born puppies. We will now turn our attention to ailments of young puppies, those whose eyelids are parted and that are older than 16 days of age. (Please note that if the eyelids are not opened by 16 days, it is time for that young pup to visit your veterinarian).
Q: What are other symptoms that suggest that something is seriously wrong with the pup’s eye and surrounding tissues?
A:1. If the pup is squinting, especially if a light source is placed by the eyeball.
2. If there is too much liquid/pussy discharge from the eye(s).
3. If the pup is scratching the eye(s) constantly.
Q: What would the caregiver be looking for when examining the eye even before he/she contacts the veterinarian??
A: Usually, the pet owner is looking for foreign bodies (visible dust particles, grain seeds, and larger particles of dirt). These can easily be washed away with eye lotion. If the foreign body is embedded in the tissue surround the eyeball, or is actually wedged into the eyeball itself, then the pup must be taken to the vet, as the animal, in all likelihood, would have to go under full anaesthesia.
Q: What is the “Third Eyelid” in dogs?
A: Dogs (and so many species) have a third eyelid, which is a membrane that comes from the inner corner of the eye to further protect the eyeball from foreign bodies and mechanical trauma (hits, and bruises during rough play with its siblings).
On the inner surface of the third eyelid, which rubs on the eyeball, there is a lymph plate which can become red and swollen due to an infection. Antibiotic preparations which also contain anti-inflammatory compounds can be used to reduce the redness, swelling, and infection.
If the caregiver is not successful with the treatment, the vet would have to intervene – under anaesthesia.
