Canine Cryobank :: Newborn Pup Booster Fact Sheet for Breeders

Canine Cryobank has found frozen plasma to be the only natural immune booster for newborn pups. Breeders have reported that pups fed plasma in the first 48 hours show consistent weight gain and are more vigorous than previous litters.

"Fading pups" are never a concern with pups boosted with plasma. Because the newborn's digestive system is not completely operational for the first hours after birth, the molecular immune boosting components of the frozen plasma pass unobstructed into the pup's circulation.

If the bitch has a caesarian section, providing frozen plasma for the pups becomes even more important as the quality of the bitch's first colostrum may by compromised due to post-surgical antibiotic therapy.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR USING THE FROZEN PLASMA FOR NEWBORN PUPS
a. Keep plasma frozen until bitch starts to whelp. b. Warm plasma to body temperature before administering. c. Give to each pup orally, several drops at a time, every two hours up to three cc per one pound of body weight over the first 24 hours following whelp. Using a new eye dropper for administrating has been recommended by owners.	d. Dose after pup is warm, dry, and suckling. e. Refrigerate plasma between use. Use any remaining plasma, the second twenty-four hours in the manner described above.
Instructions from Dr. Jean Dodds, Hemopet, Canine Blood Bank
Treatment of Newborn Puppies Using Fresh-Frozen Plasma during the First 10 Days of Life For this purpose, Fresh-Frozen Plasma comes in 10-12 cc (ml) plastic tubes. This product needs to be sent frozen by priority overnight courier. The recommended dosage of 3 to 5 cc (ml) per pound can be given to each puppy orally (by mouth) or IP (intraperitonealy, by your vet or with his instruction csb) in the first 24-36 hours. Beyond 36 hours of life the plasma must be given intraperitonealy or intravenously. (check with your veterinarian csb) Usually the pups only need to be treated once. However, if they appear to be fading, the dose can be repeated in 5-7 days later if necessary, but it must be IP or IV. Do not give more than 10cc(ml) at one time.	Fading Puppy Syndrome Fresh-Frozen Plasma can also be given at any time during the first 10 days of life if newborns appear to be fading for any reason. (IP by vet or with vet instruction *csb) 3-4 cc (ml) per puppy for tiny puppies 3-5 cc (ml) per pound for larger puppies Veterinarians:* The Treatment of Puppies Using Fresh-Frozen Plasma to Counteract Parvo Virus A. Thaw plasma in warm (not hot) water. B. Administer intravenously at a dosage of 3 to 5 cc (ml) per pound Selected References Bouchard, F et al 1992 "Absorption of an alternative Source of Immunoglobin in Pups" AM J Vet Res 53:230-233 Dodds, W. J. 1993 "Known Medical Indications for Using Fresh-Frozen Plasma" DVM Magazine 24 (4): 42-43 Poffenberger, E.M. & Olson P.N., et al 1991. "Use of Adult Dog Serum as a Substitute For Colostrum in the Neonatal Dog." AM J Vet Res 52: 1221_1224