Evaluating fading puppies and kittens  Evaluating fading puppies
and kittens  When these feeble neonates arrive in your clinic,
quickly and systematically assessas many variables as possible
that may be contributing to their dwindling condition. Nov 01,
2005  Time is of the essence when working with a fading puppy or
kitten. If an owner calls about such a case, schedule the
examination immediately, and instruct the owner to bring the dam
as well as the entire litter for evaluation. Once the owner
arrives, a systematic evaluation consisting of a history,
physical examination of the litter and the dam, and specific
diagnostic tests will help you narrow the list of possible
causes quickly, so you can initiate treatment.   Often, the
history is remarkably short for fading puppies and kittens.
Breeders should bring records of weight gain since birth and any
other data they have collected. Assess the dam's exposure to
other dogs or cats during the last third of gestation as well as
the travel history of housemates.