Quote:
Originally Posted by Woogie Man  Not sure what your vet is thinking. An x-ray is pretty much useless until about day 55 and a bitch should NOT get calcium supplements during pregnancy. Here's a little info on feeding and supplements.
"Never give your pregnant dog calcium supplements, for extra calcium may predispose your dog to uterine inertia, a condition that impairs contractions during delivery."
From this link... Caring for Your Pregnant Dog
"Don't give your dog vitamin or mineral supplements, especially calcium supplements, because these could cause a nutritional imbalance. For the first six weeks of the pregnancy, feed your dog her normal amount of food. Gradually increase the amount of food during the final three weeks of the pregnancy so your dog's caloric intake reaches 1.5 times its normal amount. You may need to offer several small meals during the last three weeks because your dog's uterus enlarges in late pregnancy, reducing the amount of food her stomach can hold."
From this link... http://www.hilltopanimalhospital.com/whelping3.htm
"Calcium is one supplement that deserves some special attention. Supplementing a pregnant dog is definitely not recommended. Giving calcium supplementation, especially late in pregnancy, has been linked to increasing the risk of eclampsia (low blood calcium) in nursing dogs. Excess calcium has also been linked to difficult deliveries, soft tissue calcium deposits in the puppies and certain joint abnormalities in the pups. For this reason, do not supplement your pregnant dog with calcium unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian."
From this link... Feeding the Pregnant Dog
I could go on and on with links recommending against using calcium supplements on a pregnant dog. Unless your vet has a specific reason (such as your girl having low blood calcium) you should not be using it at this time. It's not something you do 'just because'. Calcium is advised once the pups are born, however. |
Totaly agree, Every thing Ive learned about whelping the number one rule for mom is no calcium supplements during, Its okay after to help with her milk supply, But during it could make her labor contractions week, Calcium in food is fine like cottage cheese,puppyfood, eggs, but not supplements, and xrays that soon uhm... Not sure what your vets doing!