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cesar49 · 07-06-2008, 12:51 PM

Eclampsia (Milk Fever or Puerperal Tetany)
Race Foster, DVM
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening disease caused by low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in dogs and more rarely in cats. The lactating animal is especially susceptible to blood calcium depletion because of lactating. The bodies of some lactating dogs and cats simply cannot keep up with the increased demands for this mineral that they receive from their diet. Please remember that the diet may be fine for these affected individuals, but they lack the ability to quickly shunt calcium to their milk without depleting their own bodies.

Eclampsia is most commonly encountered 1-3 weeks after giving birth, but it can occur anytime, even while pregnant. Litters do not need to be large to cause eclampsia, but usually those bitches producing a lot of milk are at a greater risk, as are dogs of smaller breeds. The puppies themselves are not affected as the mother’s milk appears to be normal during this period.

Signs of eclampsia

Eclampsia is a very serious disorder, but fortunately, the signs are fairly easy to recognize, especially when coupled with the period of lactation. Initially, the affected animal will be restless and nervous. Within a short time, she will walk with a stiff gait and may even wobble or appear disoriented. Eventually, the animal may be unable to walk and exhibit extreme leg rigidity. Body temperature may increase to over 105º F and respiration rates will increase. At this point, death can occur if no treatment is given.

Treatment of eclampsia

If you suspect eclampsia, seek veterinary attention at once and prevent the puppies from nursing for at least 24 hours. Supplement them with a commercial milk replacer. A veterinarian can confirm eclampsia with a blood test to determine blood calcium levels. Eclampsia can be rapidly corrected by your veterinarian through the use of intravenous calcium supplementation. The bitch is monitored carefully for heart rhythm irregularities which can occur.
She will be continued on oral calcium supplements as needed.

If she responds well to treatment, her young can gradually be allowed to nurse.

Prevention of eclampsia

Once a female has had milk fever during a lactation period, there is an excellent chance that it will repeat with future litters if preventative steps are not taken.
Supplementation of dietary calcium does not seem to play a large role in preventing eclampsia. In fact, over-supplementation during pregnancy may actually cause it. All calcium supplements must be in the proper ratio with phosphorus. This ratio should be about 1:1 (i.e., 1 part calcium to 1 part phosphorus). In addition, it has been suggested that dog foods high in soybeans will be high in the plant product phytate. Phytates combine with calcium and can render the calcium unavailable to the bitch’s body, and therefore, make her more susceptible to eclampsia. To remedy the problem, feed diets low in soybean.

In conclusion, it is of great importance for breeders to be able to recognize the signs of eclampsia. If you feel your female is showing these signs, remove the pups to prevent further nursing and seek veterinary assistance at once.

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07-04-2008, 01:50 PM

07-06-2008, 12:51 PM	#4
cesar49 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: eagles nest ohio Posts: 1,325 Blog Entries: 1	tums Eclampsia (Milk Fever or Puerperal Tetany) Race Foster, DVM Marty Smith, DVM Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening disease caused by low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in dogs and more rarely in cats. The lactating animal is especially susceptible to blood calcium depletion because of lactating. The bodies of some lactating dogs and cats simply cannot keep up with the increased demands for this mineral that they receive from their diet. Please remember that the diet may be fine for these affected individuals, but they lack the ability to quickly shunt calcium to their milk without depleting their own bodies. Eclampsia is most commonly encountered 1-3 weeks after giving birth, but it can occur anytime, even while pregnant. Litters do not need to be large to cause eclampsia, but usually those bitches producing a lot of milk are at a greater risk, as are dogs of smaller breeds. The puppies themselves are not affected as the mother’s milk appears to be normal during this period. Signs of eclampsia Eclampsia is a very serious disorder, but fortunately, the signs are fairly easy to recognize, especially when coupled with the period of lactation. Initially, the affected animal will be restless and nervous. Within a short time, she will walk with a stiff gait and may even wobble or appear disoriented. Eventually, the animal may be unable to walk and exhibit extreme leg rigidity. Body temperature may increase to over 105º F and respiration rates will increase. At this point, death can occur if no treatment is given. Treatment of eclampsia If you suspect eclampsia, seek veterinary attention at once and prevent the puppies from nursing for at least 24 hours. Supplement them with a commercial milk replacer. A veterinarian can confirm eclampsia with a blood test to determine blood calcium levels. Eclampsia can be rapidly corrected by your veterinarian through the use of intravenous calcium supplementation. The bitch is monitored carefully for heart rhythm irregularities which can occur. She will be continued on oral calcium supplements as needed. If she responds well to treatment, her young can gradually be allowed to nurse. Prevention of eclampsia Once a female has had milk fever during a lactation period, there is an excellent chance that it will repeat with future litters if preventative steps are not taken. Supplementation of dietary calcium does not seem to play a large role in preventing eclampsia. In fact, over-supplementation during pregnancy may actually cause it. All calcium supplements must be in the proper ratio with phosphorus. This ratio should be about 1:1 (i.e., 1 part calcium to 1 part phosphorus). In addition, it has been suggested that dog foods high in soybeans will be high in the plant product phytate. Phytates combine with calcium and can render the calcium unavailable to the bitch’s body, and therefore, make her more susceptible to eclampsia. To remedy the problem, feed diets low in soybean. In conclusion, it is of great importance for breeders to be able to recognize the signs of eclampsia. If you feel your female is showing these signs, remove the pups to prevent further nursing and seek veterinary assistance at once. copy and paste info online source __________________ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. cesar49 View Public Profile Send a private message to cesar49 Find More Posts by cesar49 Add cesar49 to Your Contacts 07-04-2008, 01:50 PM __________________ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs.