Specializing in Intensive Medical Care - Rescue French Bulldogs

Founded in 2020, Rescue French Bulldogs has established the "Go To" rescue dog organization for puppies and young dogs who require intensive medical care. Below are examples of the care we provide so we can rehabilitate dogs to have a healthy and productive life with new adoption families.

Intensive medical care by RFB for newborn puppies involves specialized interventions to address critical health needs, often due to prematurity, low birth weight, congenital issues, or maternal neglect. These treatments aim to stabilize and support the puppy’s survival and development. Tube feeding is one example, but there are several others. Below is a list of intensive care measures for newborn puppies, including tube feeding and additional examples:

1.  Tube Feeding:

•  Description: A soft, flexible tube is gently inserted through the mouth or nose into the stomach to deliver a precise amount of milk replacer or nutrient solution. This is used when puppies are too weak to nurse or suckle from a bottle.

•  Purpose: Ensures adequate nutrition and hydration for puppies unable to feed naturally due to weakness, cleft palate, or lack of suckling reflex.

•  Example: A 3-day-old puppy weighing under 100 grams, abandoned by its mother, may require tube feeding every 2-3 hours with a commercial canine milk replacer.

2.  Incubator or Temperature Regulation:

•  Description: Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature effectively. An incubator or a controlled warm environment (e.g., heating pad, warm water bottles) maintains their body temperature between 85-90°F (29-32°C) in the first week.

•  Purpose: Prevents hypothermia, which can lead to organ failure or death in weak or premature puppies.

•  Example: A premature puppy is placed in an incubator set to 88°F with humidity control to mimic the warmth of the mother and littermates.

3.  Oxygen Therapy:

•  Description: Supplemental oxygen is provided via an oxygen concentrator, mask, or oxygen chamber for puppies with respiratory distress or underdeveloped lungs.

•  Purpose: Supports breathing in puppies with conditions like pneumonia, fluid in the lungs, or congenital lung issues.

•  Example: A puppy born via cesarean section showing blue gums and labored breathing may be placed in an oxygen tent for 24-48 hours.

4.  Fluid Therapy:

•  Description: Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids (e.g., saline or dextrose solutions) are administered to correct dehydration, hypoglycemia, or electrolyte imbalances.

•  Purpose: Restores hydration and stabilizes blood sugar in puppies that are dehydrated, not nursing, or fading (fading puppy syndrome).

•  Example: A 2-day-old puppy with severe lethargy receives subcutaneous fluids with 5% dextrose every 4 hours to combat dehydration and low glucose.

5.  Antibiotic Therapy:

•  Description: Antibiotics are given (often via injection or orally if the puppy can tolerate it) to treat or prevent infections like sepsis or bacterial infections from umbilical cords.

•  Purpose: Addresses infections common in neonates with weak immune systems or exposure to unsanitary conditions.

•  Example: A puppy with an inflamed umbilical stump may receive a course of amoxicillin under veterinary supervision.

6.  Colostrum Supplementation or Plasma Transfusion:

•  Description: If a puppy misses out on the mother’s colostrum (first milk rich in antibodies), veterinarians may administer colostrum replacer or plasma from a healthy adult dog to boost immunity.

•  Purpose: Provides essential antibodies to protect against infections in the critical first weeks.

•  Example: An orphaned puppy receives frozen canine colostrum via tube feeding within the first 12 hours of life to enhance immunity.

7.  Blood Glucose Monitoring and Support:

•  Description: Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels using a glucometer, with interventions like oral glucose gel or IV dextrose for hypoglycemia.

•  Purpose: Prevents seizures or death in puppies with low blood sugar, common in runts or those not feeding adequately.

•  Example: A fading puppy with a blood glucose level below 40 mg/dL is given a small amount of oral glucose solution every hour.

8.  Stimulation for Elimination:

•  Description: Caregivers manually stimulate the genital and anal area with a warm, damp cloth to encourage urination and defecation, as newborn puppies cannot eliminate waste on their own.

•  Purpose: Prevents toxic buildup of waste in puppies whose mother is absent or not stimulating them.

•  Example: A 5-day-old orphaned puppy is stimulated after each feeding to ensure regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.

9.  Respiratory Support or Suctioning:

•  Description: Mucus or fluid is suctioned from the airways using a bulb syringe or aspirator, and in severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be used for puppies not breathing adequately.

•  Purpose: Clears airways and supports breathing in puppies born with fluid in their lungs or experiencing respiratory failure.

•  Example: A puppy born weak and gasping has its airways cleared with a bulb syringe and is monitored for improved breathing.

10.  Treatment for Congenital Defects:

•  Description: Surgical or medical intervention for congenital issues like cleft palate, heart defects, or intestinal blockages, often requiring specialized veterinary care.

•  Purpose: Corrects life-threatening abnormalities to improve survival chances.

•  Example: A puppy with a severe cleft palate may undergo surgery at a few weeks old, with tube feeding used until then to ensure nutrition.

These interventions are typically performed by our Foster families with extensive experience in the French Bulldog breed, often in a neonatal intensive care setting for puppies, similar to a NICU for human infants. The specific care depends on the puppy’s condition, and close monitoring (e.g., weight checks, vital signs) is critical.

If you are interested in helping Rescue French Bulldogs, please DONATE to our organization to help our mission.