My rottweiler gave birth to 13 pups all seemed to be well. But on day 2 they started to die. I managed to save 7 of them with bottle feeding and a course of antibiotics. Then at 2 and a half weeks old I lost another one. Then at 4 weeks old another died then 2 days later another died. Now at 5 and a half weeks old 4 have survived. All have been wormed at 2, 4 and 5 weeks old. The 4 left are on another course of antibiotics. The pups that have died all had the same symptoms - Loss of appetite - eventually refusing to open their mouths, struggling to breath - taking a breath approx. every 2 - 5 seconds, seizures - whole body goes rock hard and stiff appearing to be dead, small lumps - tiny spots or lumps eventually covering whole body even around eyes and nose. The last puppy that died appearred to have gone blind - his eyes were blue with a glassy, cloudy film over them. One of the 4 left appears to be going blind in one eye as well. I have spoken to my vet and was told it was probably fading puppy syndrome. I am not satisfied with this answer and hope that someone else may have an idea. My question is - What was wrong with my pups and why did they die?

Hi, jsaly!

I'm really sorry about your puppies dying! I do know that we have a number of folks on this site who are great with answering questions that are about dogs. But, some of them might not be on the site now because they are asleep. So, it might take some time before you do receive a satisfactory answer.

Thanks!

Fading puppy syndrome is a description of set of symptoms, not a disease, and it sounds like you are dealing with it. The most likely cause is that the passed an illness to her pups in utero, and they can't fight it off now that they are relying on their own reserves. Have you had any of the pups into the vet? An examination or necropsy may reveal what the disease is, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you will be able to cure it, especially if it's viral.