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yorkiegirl2 · 01-04-2007, 07:40 AM

Eclampsia (Milk Fever or Puerperal Tetany)

by Race Foster, DVM and 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 heavy milkers are at a greater risk, as are dogs of smaller breeds. The puppies and kittens 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 105? 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 or kittens 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 or queen 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.

01-04-2007, 07:40 AM	#6
yorkiegirl2 YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,394	Eclampsia (Milk Fever or Puerperal Tetany) by Race Foster, DVM and 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 heavy milkers are at a greater risk, as are dogs of smaller breeds. The puppies and kittens 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 105? 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 or kittens 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 or queen 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.