5 Common Puppy Abnormalities (and What To Do About Them)

One of the scariest things about breeding dogs is the unknown. Will something go wrong? If it does go wrong, what do I do? Breeding is certainly not for the faint of heart! Below, we take a look at some possible fetal abnormalities and what (if anything) you can do about them.

I’d like to extend a HUGE thank you to the breeders who volunteered the photos below. I cannot express how overwhelmed with gratitude I am at your generosity. This article would be nothing without you!

**Warning: There are graphic images below – viewer discretion is advised!**

Why Do Fetal Abnormalities Happen

Most of the below fetal abnormalities are due to errors in development. Some are genetically linked, some may be nutritionally-linked, and some happen for reasons that we can’t identify. This means that it is possible to do EVERYTHING right and still end up with fetal abnormalities, so don’t be hard on yourself if it happens to your puppies.

Anasarca

Anasarca is generalized swelling throughout the entire body. These puppies are sometimes referred to as “water puppies” or “walrus puppies.” The puppy’s tissues are full of fluid (also called edema), and with OR without treatment this condition is often fatal. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s suspected to have a genetic component because it is more common in some breeds than others.

What To Do: It’s very unlikely that your bitch will be able to give birth to an anasarca puppy unassisted because they are almost always too swollen to pass through the birth canal. Therefore, this is often not diagnosed until c-section. If she does manage to give birth (likely because the condition is mild), treatment is possible, but the puppy must be rushed to a veterinarian right away for diuretics and airway management. As stated above, this condition is almost always fatal, but some mildly affected puppies have been known to survive with intensive care.

Cleft palate and/or cleft lip 

A cleft palate is an opening between the nasal cavity and the mouth that occurs because the tissue between these spaces did not close correctly during development. A cleft lip is a similar defect but affecting the lip. There is a wide range of severity of cleft palates and/or cleft lips. There are a number of factors that can contribute to this condition, with the primary factor being genetics, but other factors include nutrition, toxins, and some viruses. It has been shown that adequate amounts of folic acid in the bitch’s diet BEFORE BREEDING can help to decrease cleft palate and cleft lip.

What To Do: Every puppy should be checked for a cleft palate immediately after birth. If a cleft palate is present, the safest approach is for the puppy to be tube fed until he/she is old enough for surgical repair on the defect (3-4 months). Puppies with cleft palates should not be allowed to nurse because they can aspirate (breathe milk into their lungs) and develop pneumonia – which is almost always a death sentence for newborn puppies. Tube feeding is not without its risks as well and it is very important that you receive instruction from someone experienced with tube feeding before you attempt it yourself. Because of the intensity of care required and the risk for complications, in the case of severe defects, humane euthanasia is sometimes a kind choice. Some puppies with mild cleft defects, particularly if they have a cleft lip without a cleft palate, can nurse without problems, and some can be safely bottle fed. All the above doom and gloom aside, many puppies with cleft palate and/or cleft lip can be successfully managed and go on to live a healthy life!

Intestines exposed at birth 

If a puppy is born with its intestines exposed, this could one of two conditions which look very similar: gastroschisis and omphalacele. Both are errors in development and the exact cause is unknown. Interestingly, in humans these conditions are more common in mothers with exposure to alcohol, tobacco, certain medications, mothers who are overweight/obese, and teenage mothers (Source: CDC). There is not currently enough data to evaluate risk factors in dogs.

What To Do: If a puppy is born alive with his/her intestines exposed, the intestines should immediately be gently covered with a moist, sterile bandage and the puppy should be transported to the veterinarian for surgery to correct the defect. Whether the puppy survives or not is heavily dependent on whether or not other defects are present. If the intestines are exposed but the puppy is otherwise healthy, the puppy can likely go on to live a normal life with no additional complications.

Anencephaly 

Anencephaly is a condition where the brain and/or skull do not develop correctly. Often there is a large part missing. It is not known what causes anencephaly, although it is known to be a problem in the way the nervous system closes during development. This is a similar condition to spina bifida.

What To Do: This condition is almost always fatal. Often, puppies are stillborn or die very shortly after birth. Very rarely, if the brain is functional and only the skull is affected, it can be surgically repaired.

Early placental detachment

The canine placenta contains a compound called biliveridin, which is the color green. When the placenta detaches from the uterus, biliveridin is released, causing the puppy to be coated in a material that looks like dark green mucus. While not technically a fetal abnormality, if this process happens early, the fetus will die and start to be resorbed by the uterus. This can also happen if labor is prolonged and the placenta detaches but the puppy is stuck in the uterus. Depending on the time of fetal death, the fetus can have an appearance ranging from partial breakdown to full mummification (rare).

What To Do: Often these puppies are stillborn. Make sure you know what to look for when preparing for your bitch’s labor and how to determine if she needs veterinary intervention.

Miscellaneous Case 

Check out this very rare case where a puppy was born with a second umbilical cord attached to his head! His breeder says that he is doing well! There are also two additional miscellaneous photos here of limb deformities and a puppy who did not have an anus when born (called atresia ani).

We hope this article has helped to increase your awareness of possible canine fetal abnormalities. While many of these abnormalities are often fatal, knowing what to do if one of your puppies has these conditions can maximize the health of your litter and hopefully increase your confidence!