When puppies fail to consume the colostrum they won’t be able to build the needed passive immunity. The protein-rich colostrum provides passive immunity in dogs and it lasts several weeks and protect them from various infections and diseases.
The digestive system of a puppy more than 12 hours old cannot mop up the antibodies present in colostrum anymore. When the puppy drinks the colostrum after this time, it won’t be as effective. It is very important the pups consume the colostrum within the first 12 hours so as to start building immunity.
When a bitch dies during whelping or after whelping what happens to the pups? There are various ways to get the pups nourished. The pups can be fostered by another bitch that whelped at the same period or colostrum can be given using substitutes..
HOW TO MAKE COLOSTRUM SUBSTITUTE.
The major thing we want to provoke is the immune system by providing antibodies. The colostrum substitute can be made by using plasma from a healthy bitch .
The breeder normally keeps tabs on bitches and usually collects blood samples from the bitch before whelping to produce the colostrum substitute as a back up plan.
This procedure is done in a veterinary diagnostic lab so it will be carried out properly observing all preventive protocols so as not to hurt the bitch.
1) Blood sample is collected.
2)The blood is spinned so the plasma is separated.
3)The decanted plasma is stored by freezing in different tubes.
The plasma is presented when needed, it is fed at room temperature to the pups using a dropper. This dropper must be placed at the corner of the mouth to drop the plasma and this must be fed within the first 12 hours after which the pups can be given milk replacements.
No comments:
Post a Comment