Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The article summarizes the current knowledge on factors related to pregnancy, parturition, and newborns that affect the health status of a puppy and determine its chances for survival and development. The detailed information is provided in terms of breed predispositions, objectives of pregnancy monitoring, potential sources of complications, and veterinary advances in care and treatment of perinatal conditions.
Successful pregnancy outcomes still pose challenges in veterinary neonatology; thus, publications presenting the current state of knowledge in this field are in demand. The perinatal period has a critical impact on viability of the newborns. The variety of factors that can potentially affect the health of a litter during pregnancy, birth, and the first weeks of life requires proper attention from both the breeder and the veterinarian. The health status of puppies can be influenced by various maternal factors, including breed characteristics, anatomy, quality of nutrition, delivery assistance, neonatal care, and environmental or infectious agents encountered during pregnancy.
Regular examinations and pregnancy monitoring are key tools for early detection of signals that can indicate disorders even before clinical signs occur. The purpose of the review was to summarize and discuss the complex interactions between all elements that, throughout pregnancy and the first days of life, have a tangible impact on the subsequent fate of the offspring.
Many of these components continue to pose challenges in veterinary neonatology; thus, publications presenting the current state of knowledge in this field are in demand. The main goal for dog breeders and their veterinary associates is the successful rearing of puppies. High mortality rates can affect even litters that receive the best care. This paper summarizes the main findings regarding the maternal, pregnancy, and newborn-related components that eventually would determine puppy survival.
Analyzing maternal and pregnancy-related factors emphasizes the need for tailored care for each pregnant female. This is particularly true for pedigree bitches, which can be prone to obstetric complications due to the anatomy of their birth canal [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], as is observed with brachycephalic bitches [ 9 , 10 ].
