At the point when conception takes place, the nutrient content and health of the sperm and the egg, lay the groundwork from which the future being will develop. If at any point during the cellular creation of the seeds, or during cellular reproduction of the embryo, there is an imbalance within the body, either through a deficiency of nutrients, or an excess of toxic elements, a birth defect can result.......So rule # 1 never flea dip your female prior to or at any other time during the gestation period. That goes for the use of flea collars, front line, powders or rug sprays because they are the #1 reason this type thing happens. Also, never give any type of worm medicine to your little mommies with pups in tow. They have harsh carcinogens in them, so again never never. Any worming on the bitch can be done after the pups are two weeks of age.
The #2 reason for birth defects are cause by poor nutrition. If this was a third world country. But being that we have strick nutritional guide lines that the feed manufacturers have to follow even in the cheapest of dog/cat foods, I would think (in my own opinion), that it's not the reason for puppies being born without limbs.
It is my own opinion that those poor little Chihuahua puppies that were on the news, without front legs were bread by a novice...... Some individual that because of ignorance probably thought they were doing a good thing and bombarded the poor Chi-mom with Zodiac IGR up the wazoo Some say a good breeder, if by chance that type of thing would have happen to them, they most certainly should put the pups down as soon as they were born, as sad as it may be. I say were there's life, there's hope. If it was cause by a dope Watch these video's....I'm sure you'll agree!
As a licensed breeder ,through the state as well as usda, (not out the back yard!) I keep seeing a note at the bottom of each page that says ,and i quote "love what youre doing ,and never have to work a day in your life again !" omg ! wth? raising puppies IS hard around the clock 24/7 400 days a year! non stop ! there is always cleaning to be done , always grooming that has to be done and always ,medical care that is given also special diets ,exercise routines etc. ! and then the forum talk about puppies with no limbs ! omg ! that is probrably a back yard breeder that doesnt have a clue as to nutritional value that the dam needs ,it can also occur with some types of wormer and boosters that may have been given to her during gestation.which ever the case, even a bunny has his little arms and it wasnt fair for whoever had those puppies not to lay them to rest and be with the lord. life is hard and cruel enough without having to let an animal suffer like that to amuse others , some people are just sick and should not breed ANY animal. regards, jpereira