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Puppy Vitality: Unlocking the Secrets of APGAR Scores


In veterinary care, our skills in diagnosing and treating adult pets are commendable. We're quick to spot symptoms, understand their impact, and act accordingly. However, this expertise often dims when faced with newborn puppies, leading to uncertainty. It’s often mistakenly assumed that these neonates are just miniaturized adults, which is a significant oversight. Their vital signs, behavioral cues, and needs are uniquely theirs. That’s why I strongly believe that for effective care in canine neonatology, preparedness is key, making APGAR scores an essential tool here.
 
 

HOW THE APGAR SCORES CAME TO BE

Originating as a groundbreaking assessment for human newborns, the APGAR scores were the brainchild of Virginia Apgar (1909-1974), a notable figure in American medical history.

As an obstetrical anesthesiologist, her innovations laid foundational stones in the nascent field of neonatology.

Among her significant contributions, the APGAR score stands out for its rapid evaluation of newborns' health immediately following birth.

It uses a scale from zero to two across five vital criteria, yielding a total possible score of ten.
These criteria are summarized by the mnemonic APGAR:
  • Appearance: skin color and condition,
  • Pulse: heart rate,
  • Grimace response: reflexes to stimuli,
  • Activity: muscle tone,
  • Respiration: breathing rate and effort.


Bringing APGAR Scores into Veterinary Medicine

Long established in human neonatal care, APGAR scores have found a significant role beyond human hospitals. Highlighted by Veronesi and her team in 2009, the veterinary community was introduced to the use of APGAR scores for new-born puppies, assessing vitality and predicting immediate survival prospects.

This method has since become a fundamental part of neonatal veterinary care.

Actually, during a detailed discussion in a canine neonatology webinar, I presented findings from an extensive review of the latest in veterinary research.

Several modern studies emphasize assessing neonatal health immediately after birth, using markers like umbilical cord blood gas and cardiac troponin I.

However, my exploration uncovered that traditional APGAR scores are equally effective, challenging these newer methods with their simplicity and reliability.

APGAR scores have indeed proven their worth in the realms of canine neonatology, serving as a simple yet powerful tool for veterinarians and dog breeding facilities.

Follow this guide to the APGAR scoring system tailored for puppies and kittens:

Apgar-Scoring-System-EN.PNG


Decoding APGAR Scores

Understanding APGAR scores is crucial; they offer a brief but vital glimpse into a newborn's health status.

For newborn puppies, the scores break down as follows:
  • Scores under 7 signal a need for some form of assistance.
  • Scores below 4 demand urgent veterinary care.
For scores ranging from 4 to 7, evaluate the need for resuscitation if the score was taken immediately after birth. Otherwise, ensure the provision of appropriate canine milk substitutes and a conducive environment for the newborns.

To maintain optimal conditions:
  • Keep the nesting area at 30°C during the first week.
  • Reduce the temperature to 28°C in the second week, and further to 25°C by the third week.
Maintain humidity around 55±10% within the birthing area, using a weather station for accurate monitoring and adjustments.

Remember, the relevance of APGAR scores extends up to 8 hours after birth, offering a window to intervene and support the neonates even if initial assessments are delayed.


The Investment of Time in APGAR Scoring: Immeasurably Valuable

It's a common critique that APGAR scoring is a drain on precious time.

However, the truth is that it requires merely a moment to complete a thorough assessment, offering a critical health overview that could shape life-saving interventions.

This one minute could very well spell the difference between life and death.

While human neonatology has established protocols for APGAR timing, veterinary medicine is still in debate, with some favoring immediate and five-minute post-birth assessments and others advocating for a single check within the initial five minutes.

The consensus, however, leans towards making APGAR scoring a universal practice in animal care environments.

Virginia Apgar's legacy has already transformed neonatal care, and embracing her scoring system promises to raise the standard of veterinary care for neonates. In my opinion, this tool offers a clear path to improving the health outcomes of newborn puppies.

Take your understanding of dog reproduction to new heights with our monthly webinars. Plus, get exclusive access to our library of recorded sessions, reviewing past insights at your leisure. Join us now by clicking here, and let’s grow together in knowledge and care.
 

Emmanuel Fontaine


Emmanuel Fontaine


Emmanuel Fontaine graduated from the Toulouse Veterinary School in 2004, he continued his studies at the Alfort Veterinary School (Paris) as trainee Vet in the domestic carnivore unit of the Reproduction Department. From 2005 to 2011, he worked at the Centre d Étude en Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA) [Research Centre for Reproduction in Carnivores], a unit specializing in pet breeding assistance. Emmanuel Fontaine is also qualified at the European College for Animal Reproduction (ECAR) and completed his PhD in 2012 on the use of GnRH agonists in canines. From September 2011 to September 2018, he worked as Technical Services Veterinarian for the PRO team at Royal Canada. He then was in charge of Scientific Communication for the Americas until August 2022. He now works as Senior Scientific Communications Veterinarian for Royal Canin North America.
 
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