Casper's babies' mum had a fit - 5 weeks preg.

[HighlandYorkies]

CAN ANYONE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE TO PASS ON ?
Casper is expecting babies with a good friend's dog...she is 2 years and this is her first pregnancy.
(pic of Pheobie and Casper below plus scan pic of pups at 4 weeks.)
I went to see how she was getting on and her owner said she got up and seemed to have a fit or a dizzy spell...her legs went for a second....just the once this has happened.

She has a big pup...see scan pic...that is the body and the head between crosses....and she has 2-3 behind which are smaller.

The vet said she would need bloods checked and tests...but her pal says she is just suffering with the weight of the pregnancy.
A good friend of mine said that it could be low blood sugar or she may be anaemic....I have advised her to feed smaller meals every few hours.

Has anyone else had any experience of a pregnant dog and ever seen this ?
Any ideas anyone ?

THANKS FOR ANY HELP....DEBRA X X X X

[cesar49]

could be low calcium too.. preeclampsia...

[HighlandYorkies]

Already ?
I have told her about that...but I thought it was more after the pups were born.
Could you confirm please...I will tell her then...thanks !!! x x x x

[cesar49]

Normal gestation in the bitch is 56-58 days from the first day of diestrus or 64-66 days from the initial rise in progesterone from baseline (generally >2 ng/mL), or 58-72 days from the first instance that the bitch permitted breeding. Predicting length of gestation without prior ovulation timing is difficult because of the disparity between estrual behavior and the actual time of conception in the bitch, and the length of time semen can remain viable in the reproductive tract (often ≥7 days). Breeding dates and conception dates do not correlate closely enough to permit accurate prediction of whelping dates. Additionally, clinical signs of term pregnancy are not specific—radiographic appearance of fetal skeletal mineralization varies at term, fetal size varies with breed and litter size. A drop in rectal temperature to a mean of 98.8°F (range 98.1-100.0°F) is seen in most bitches 8-24 hr before whelping. Breed, parity, and litter size can also influence gestational length. Prolonged gestation is a form of dystocia. Subtle signs of impending delivery include relaxation of the perineum, mammary engorgement, and a change in the appearance of the gravid abdomen, but these changes are not sensitive or specific. Because there is no means to effectively manage prematurely born puppies, premature intervention in the whelping process is undesirable. Unfortunately, an excessively conservative approach resulting in intrauterine fetal death is undesirable as well. Parturition in the queen occurs 64-66 days from the LH surge triggered by copulation.
Bitches typically enter stage I labor within 24 hr of a decline in serum progesterone to <2-5 ng/mL, which develops in conjunction with elevated circulating prostaglandins and is commonly associated with a transient drop in body temperature. Monitoring serial progesterone levels for impending labor is problematic due to the fact that in-house kits enabling rapid results are inherently inaccurate between 2-5 ng/mL. Commercial laboratories offering quantitative progesterone by radioimmunoassay typically have a 12-24 hr turnaround time, which is not rapid enough to make decisions about obstetric intervention. Clearly, it is beneficial to obtain information about ovulation timing, minimally by determining the onset of cytologic diestrus, for evaluating length of gestation at term.
A predictable and safe method of inducing parturition in the bitch and queen has not been determined.

[cesar49]

Bitches may be bred naturally, or artificially inseminated using fresh, chilled, or frozen-thawed semen. The practice of ovulation timing has become increasingly desirable to breeders. Popular stud dogs’ owners commonly permit a limited number of breedings (usually 2), and may need to prioritize bitches based on their timing. Owners of bitches wish to minimize travel time to the stud dog facility. Boarding of bitches in season can be reduced with recognition of their fertile period. The use of extended and chilled semen and frozen semen, or subfertile stud dogs, necessitates ovulation timing for optimal conception. Proper ovulation timing permits accurate evaluation of gestational length and is essential in the evaluation of apparent infertility in the bitch. In addition, litter size is optimal with properly timed breedings.
Sound knowledge of the bitch reproductive cycle is essential. Individual bitches may vary from normal, be presented at variable times during their estrous cycle for evaluation, and sometimes exhibit pathologic variations in cycles. Each of these scenarios requires veterinary interpretation. The normal canine reproductive cycle can be divided into 4 phases, each having characteristic behavioral, physical, and endocrinologic patterns, although considerable variation exists. Bitches with normal estrous cycles but unexpected patterns must be differentiated from those with true abnormalities. Detection of individual variation within the normal range of events in a fertile bitch can be crucial to breeding management. Evaluation of the estrous cycle for true abnormalities is an important part of the evaluation of an apparently infertile bitch.
The interestrous interval is normally 4-13 mo, with 7 mo the average. The anestrus phase of the estrous cycle is marked by ovarian inactivity, uterine involution, and endometrial repair. An anestrous bitch is not attractive or receptive to male dogs. No overt vulvar discharge is present, and the vulva is small. Vaginal cytology is predominated by small parabasal cells, with occasional neutrophils and small numbers of mixed bacteria. The endoscopic appearance of vaginal mucosal folds is flat, thin, and red. The physiologic controls terminating anestrus are not well understood, but the deterioration of luteal function and the decline of prolactin secretion seem to be prerequisites. The termination of anestrus is marked by an increase in the pulsatile secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Hypothalamic GnRH secretion is itself pulsatile, its intermittent secretion is a physiologic requirement of gonadotropin release. Mean levels of FSH are moderately elevated, and those of LH slightly elevated, during anestrus. At late anestrus, the pulsatile release of LH increases, causing the proestrous folliculogenesis. Estrogen levels are basal (2-10 pg/mL) and progesterone levels at nadir (<1 ng/mL) at late anestrus. Anestrus normally lasts 1-6 mo.
During proestrus, the bitch becomes attractive to male dogs but is still not receptive to breeding, although she may become more playful. A serosanguineous to hemorrhagic vulvar discharge of uterine origin is present, and the vulva is mildly enlarged. Vaginal cytology shows a progressive shift from small parabasal cells to small and large intermediate cells, superficial-intermediate cells, and finally superficial (cornified) epithelial cells, reflecting the degree of estrogen influence. RBC are usually, but not invariably, present. The vaginal mucosal folds appear edematous, pink, and round. FSH and LH levels are low during most of proestrus, rising during the preovulatory surge. Estrogen rises from basal anestrous levels (2-10 pg/mL) to peak levels (50-100 pg/mL) at late proestrus, while progesterone remains at basal levels (<1 ng/mL) until rising at the LH surge (2-4 ng/mL). Proestrus lasts from 3 days to 3 wk, with 9 days average. The follicular phase of the ovarian cycle coincides with proestrus and very early estrus.
During estrus, the normal bitch displays receptive or passive behavior, enabling breeding. This behavior correlates with decreasing estrogen levels and increasing progesterone levels. Serosanguineous to hemorrhagic vulvar discharge may diminish to variable degrees. Vulvar edema tends to be maximal. Vaginal cytology remains predominated by superficial cells; RBC tend to decrease but may persist throughout. Vaginal mucosal folds become progressively wrinkled (crenulated) in conjunction with ovulation and oocyte maturation. Estrogen levels decrease markedly after the LH peak to variable levels, while progesterone levels steadily increase (usually 4-10 ng/mL at ovulation), marking the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle. Estrus lasts 3 days to 3 wk, with an average of 9 days. Estrous behavior may precede or follow the LH peak—its duration is variable and may not coincide precisely with the fertile period. Primary oocytes ovulate 2 days after the LH peak, and oocyte maturation is seen 2-3 days later; the lifespan of secondary oocytes is 2-3 days.
During diestrus, the normal bitch becomes refractory to breeding, with diminishing attraction of male dogs. Vulvar discharge diminishes and edema slowly resolves. Vaginal cytology is abruptly altered by the reappearance of parabasal epithelial cells and frequently neutrophils. The appearance of vaginal mucosal folds becomes flattened and flaccid. Estrogen levels are variably low, and progesterone levels steadily rise to a peak of 15-80 ng/mL before progressively declining in late diestrus. Progesterone secretion depends on both pituitary LH and prolactin secretion. Proliferation of the endometrium and quiescence of the myometrium develop under the influence of elevated progesterone levels. Diestrus usually lasts 2-3 mo in the absence of pregnancy. Parturition terminates pregnancy 64-66 days after the LH peak. Prolactin levels increase in a reciprocal fashion to falling progesterone levels at the termination of diestrus or gestation, reaching much higher levels in the pregnant state. Mammary ductal and glandular tissues increase in response to prolactin levels.



merck veterinary manual online source

[cesar49]

Normal Labor:
Stage I labor in the bitch and queen normally lasts 12-24 hr, during which time the myometrial contractions of the uterus increase in frequency and strength and the cervix dilates. No abdominal efforts (visible contractions) are evident during stage I labor. Bitches and queens may exhibit changes in disposition and behavior during stage I labor, becoming reclusive, restless, and nesting intermittently, often refusing to eat and sometimes vomiting. Panting and trembling may be seen. Vaginal discharge is clear and watery.
Normal stage II labor is marked by visible abdominal efforts, which are accompanied by myometrial contractions that culminate in the delivery of a neonate. Typically, these efforts should not last >1-2 hr between puppies or kittens, although great variation exists. The entire delivery can take 1 to >24 hr; however, normal labor is associated with shorter total delivery time and intervals between neonates. Vaginal discharge can be clear, serous to hemorrhagic, or green (uteroverdin). Typically, bitches and queens continue to nest between deliveries and may nurse and groom neonates intermittently. Anorexia, panting, and trembling are common.
Stage III labor is defined as the delivery of the placenta. Bitches and queens typically vacillate between stages II and III of labor until the delivery is complete. During normal labor, all fetuses and placentae are delivered vaginally, although they may not be delivered together in every instance.


Dystocia:
Dystocia can be objectively diagnosed if uterine contractility is inappropriate (generally infrequent, weak myometrial contractions) for the stage of labor, or if excessive fetal stress results from labor. Subjectively, dystocia is diagnosed if stage I labor is not initiated at term, if stage I labor is >24 hr without progression to stage II, if stage II labor does not produce a vaginal delivery within 1-4 hr, if fetal or maternal stress is excessive, if moribund or stillborn neonates are seen, or if stage II labor does not result in the completion of deliveries in a timely manner (within 12-24 hr). Dystocia results from maternal factors (uterine inertia, pelvic canal anomalies), fetal factors (oversize, malposition, malposture, anomalies) or a combination of both. Clinically, uterine inertia developing after the delivery of one or more neonates (secondary inertia) is the most common cause of dystocia.
Uterine and fetal monitors can be used to detect and monitor labor, as well as manage dystocia. Unresponsive uterine inertia, obstructive dystocia, aberrant uterine contractions, or progressive fetal distress without response to medical management are indications for cesarean section.
Medical management includes administration of calcium gluconate and oxytocin based on the results of monitoring. Drugs are given only after 8-12 hr of an established contraction pattern (stage I labor) as detected by the uterine monitor and only if inertia is detected when stage II labor is anticipated. Premature administration of drugs results in suboptimal response.
Generally, the administration of calcium increases the strength of myometrial contractions, while oxytocin increases the frequency. Calcium gluconate (10% solution, 1 mL/22 kg body wt, bid-qid) is given when uterine contractions are ineffective or weak. It can be given SC, avoiding the potential for cardiac irritability associated with IV administration. Oxytocin (0.5-2.0 U in bitches; 0.25-1.0 U in queens) is given when uterine contractions are less frequent than expected for the stage of labor. The most effective time for treatment is when uterine inertia begins to develop, before the contractions stop completely. High doses of oxytocin saturate the receptor sites and make it ineffective as a uterotonic. If fetal stress is evident (persistent bradycardia) and response to medications is poor, cesarean section is indicated.

[cesar49]

Palpation and, if necessary, radiography should be used to determine that all puppies or kittens have been delivered. The routine postpartum administration of oxytoxin or antibiotics is unnecessary in healthy dams with nursing neonates, unless the placenta has been retained. The dam’s body temperature and the character of the postpartum discharge or lochia and milk should be monitored. Normally, the lochia is dark red to black and is heavy for the first few days after parturition. It is not necessary that the dam consume the placentas. Disinfection of the neonatal umbilicus with tincture of iodine helps prevent bacterial contamination. The neonate should be weighed accurately as soon as it is dry and then twice daily for the first week. Any weight loss after the first 24 hr indicates a potential problem and should be given immediate attention (eg, supplemental feeding, assisted nursing, evaluation for sepsis).

[cesar49]

Puerperal hypocalcemia is an acute, life-threatening condition usually seen at peak lactation, 2-3 wk after whelping. Small-breed bitches with large litters are most often affected. Hypocalcemia may also occur during parturition and may precipitate dystocia.
Etiology and Pathogenesis:
Hypocalcemia most likely results from the loss of calcium into the milk and from inadequate dietary calcium intake. The incidence is increased in small breeds of dogs, although puerperal hypocalcemia can occur in any breed of dog, with any size litter, and at any time during lactation. Rarely, it occurs during late gestation in bitches. Although uncommon in queens, it may occur during early lactation.
Inadequate production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) during the hypocalcemic crisis is not responsible for eclampsia. In dogs, supplementation with oral calcium during pregnancy may predispose to eclampsia during peak lactation, because excessive calcium intake during pregnancy causes downregulation of the calcium regulatory system and subsequent clinical hypocalcemia when calcium demand is high.
In dogs, hypocalcemia has an excitatory effect on nerve and muscle cells. Excitation-secretion coupling is maintained at the neuromuscular junction in dogs with hypocalcemia. Tetany occurs as a result of spontaneous repetitive firing of motor nerve fibers. As a result of the loss of stabilizing membrane-bound calcium, nerve membranes become more permeable to ions and require a stimulus of lesser magnitude to depolarize. Hypoglycemia can occur concurrently.

Clinical Findings:
Panting and restlessness are early clinical signs. Mild tremors, twitching, muscle spasms, and gait changes (stiffness and ataxia) result from increased neuromuscular excitability. Behavioral changes such as aggression, whining, salivation, pacing, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and disorientation are frequent. Severe tremors, tetany, generalized seizure activity, and finally coma and death may be seen. Hyperthermia may occur in severe cases. Prolonged seizure activity may cause cerebral edema. Tachycardia, hyperthermia, polyuria, polydipsia, and vomiting are sometimes seen. Historically, the bitch has been otherwise healthy and the neonates have been thriving.
Although hypocalcemia usually occurs postpartum, clinical signs can appear prepartum or at parturition. Hypocalcemia, with a serum calcium concentration >7 mg/dL but below the low normal level, may contribute to ineffective myometrial contractions and slow the progression of labor without causing any other clinical signs. Heavy panting may produce a respiratory alkalosis. Ionized calcium concentration is affected by protein concentration, acid-base status (alkalosis favors protein binding of serum calcium and exacerbates hypocalcemia), and other electrolyte imbalances. Thus, the severity of clinical signs may not correlate with the total calcium concentration.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is often made from the signalment, history, clinical signs, and response to treatment. A pretreatment serum calcium concentration <7 mg/dL (<6 mg/dL in cats) confirms the diagnosis. (IV therapy with calcium is often started, however, before serum calcium concentration is determined.) A serum chemistry profile is useful to rule out concurrent hypoglycemia and other electrolyte imbalances. Prolongation of the QT interval and ventricular premature contractions may be seen on the ECG.


Treatment and Prevention:
Slow IV administration of 10% calcium gluconate is given to effect (0.5-1.5 mL/kg over 10-30 min; 5-20 mL is the usual dose). This usually results in rapid clinical improvement within 15 min. Muscle relaxation should be immediate.
During administration of calcium, heart rate should be carefully monitored for bradycardia or arrhythmia by auscultation or by ECG. Signs of toxicity from too rapid administration of calcium include bradycardia, shortening of the QT interval, and premature ventricular complexes. If an arrhythmia develops, calcium administration should be discontinued until the heart rate and rhythm are normal
Once the animal is stable, the dose of calcium gluconate needed for initial control of tetany may be diluted in an equal volume of normal (0.9%) saline and given SC, tid, to control clinical signs. (Calcium chloride cannot be given SC.) Alternatively, 5-15 mg of elemental calcium/kg/hr can be continued IV. This protocol effectively supports serum calcium concentrations while waiting for oral vitamin D and calcium therapy
The bitch may remain nonresponsive after correction of hypocalcemia if cerebral edema has developed. Cerebral edema, hyperthermia, and hypoglycemia should be treated if present. Fever usually resolves rapidly with control of tetany, and specific treatment for fever may result in hypothermia.
It is best not to let the puppies or kittens nurse for 12-24 hr. During this period, they should be fed a milk substitute or other appropriate diet; if mature enough, they should be weaned. If tetany recurs in the same lactation, the litter should be removed from the bitch and either hand raised (<4 wk of age) or weaned (>4 wk of age).
After the acute crisis, 25-50 mg of elemental calcium/kg/day in 3 or 4 divided doses is given PO for the remainder of the lactation. Again, the dose of calcium is based on the amount of elemental calcium in the product (ie, calcium carbonate tablets contain 295 mg elemental calcium/1 g tablet). In dogs, the dosage is usually 1-4 g/day, in divided doses. In cats, the dosage of calcium is approximately 0.5-1 g/day, in divided doses. Longterm maintenance therapy with oral vitamin D and oral calcium supplementation usually requires a minimum of 24-96 hr before an effect is achieved. Hypocalcemic animals should, therefore, receive parenteral calcium support during the initial post-tetany period. Calcium carbonate is a good choice because of its high percentage of elemental calcium, ready availability in drugstores in the form of antacids, low cost, and lack of gastric irritation. The dose of calcium can be gradually tapered to avoid unnecessary therapy; there is usually sufficient calcium in commercial pet food to meet the needs of dogs and cats. However, to avoid acute problems of hypocalcemic tetany, oral calcium supplementation should continue throughout lactation.
Vitamin D supplementation is used to increase calcium absorption from the intestines. The concentration of serum calcium should be monitored weekly. The dosage of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) is 0.03-0.06 µg/kg/day. Calcitriol has a rapid onset of action (1-4 days) and short half-life (<1 day). Iatrogenic hypercalcemia is a common complication of this therapy. If hypercalcemia results from overdosage, it can be rapidly corrected by discontinuing calcitriol. The toxic effects resolve in 1-14 days. This is a much briefer period than that seen with dihydrotachysterol (1-3 wk) or ergocalciferol (vitamin D2 ; 1-18 wk).
Corticosteroids lower serum calcium and, therefore, are contraindicated. They may interfere with intestinal calcium transport and increase urinary loss of calcium.
Owners should be warned that this condition is likely to recur with future pregnancies. Steps to consider to prevent puerperal hypocalcemia in the bitch include feeding a high-quality, nutritionally balanced, and appropriate diet during pregnancy and lactation, providing food and water ad lib during lactation, and supplemental feeding of the puppies with milk replacer early in lactation and with solid food after 3-4 wk of age. Oral calcium supplementation during gestation is not indicated and may cause rather than prevent postpartum hypocalcemia. Calcium administration during peak milk production may be helpful in bitches with a history of puerperal hypocalcemia.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Also
Hypocalcemic Tetany in Horses
Parturient Paresis in Cows
Parturient Paresis in Sheep and Goats


© 2008; Merck & Co., Inc.Whitehouse Station, NJ USA. All Rights Reserved.
published in educational partnership with Merial Ltd. Disclaimer / Feedback

[Duncanmom]

I would have a vet take a look at her. What kind of diet is she on?

[HighlandYorkies]

Originally Posted by cesar49

Puerperal hypocalcemia is an acute, life-threatening condition usually seen at peak lactation, 2-3 wk after whelping. Small-breed bitches with large litters are most often affected. Hypocalcemia may also occur during parturition and may precipitate dystocia.
Etiology and Pathogenesis:
Hypocalcemia most likely results from the loss of calcium into the milk and from inadequate dietary calcium intake. The incidence is increased in small breeds of dogs, although puerperal hypocalcemia can occur in any breed of dog, with any size litter, and at any time during lactation. Rarely, it occurs during late gestation in bitches. Although uncommon in queens, it may occur during early lactation.
Inadequate production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) during the hypocalcemic crisis is not responsible for eclampsia. In dogs, supplementation with oral calcium during pregnancy may predispose to eclampsia during peak lactation, because excessive calcium intake during pregnancy causes downregulation of the calcium regulatory system and subsequent clinical hypocalcemia when calcium demand is high.
In dogs, hypocalcemia has an excitatory effect on nerve and muscle cells. Excitation-secretion coupling is maintained at the neuromuscular junction in dogs with hypocalcemia. Tetany occurs as a result of spontaneous repetitive firing of motor nerve fibers. As a result of the loss of stabilizing membrane-bound calcium, nerve membranes become more permeable to ions and require a stimulus of lesser magnitude to depolarize. Hypoglycemia can occur concurrently.

Clinical Findings:
Panting and restlessness are early clinical signs. Mild tremors, twitching, muscle spasms, and gait changes (stiffness and ataxia) result from increased neuromuscular excitability. Behavioral changes such as aggression, whining, salivation, pacing, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and disorientation are frequent. Severe tremors, tetany, generalized seizure activity, and finally coma and death may be seen. Hyperthermia may occur in severe cases. Prolonged seizure activity may cause cerebral edema. Tachycardia, hyperthermia, polyuria, polydipsia, and vomiting are sometimes seen. Historically, the bitch has been otherwise healthy and the neonates have been thriving.
Although hypocalcemia usually occurs postpartum, clinical signs can appear prepartum or at parturition. Hypocalcemia, with a serum calcium concentration >7 mg/dL but below the low normal level, may contribute to ineffective myometrial contractions and slow the progression of labor without causing any other clinical signs. Heavy panting may produce a respiratory alkalosis. Ionized calcium concentration is affected by protein concentration, acid-base status (alkalosis favors protein binding of serum calcium and exacerbates hypocalcemia), and other electrolyte imbalances. Thus, the severity of clinical signs may not correlate with the total calcium concentration.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is often made from the signalment, history, clinical signs, and response to treatment. A pretreatment serum calcium concentration <7 mg/dL (<6 mg/dL in cats) confirms the diagnosis. (IV therapy with calcium is often started, however, before serum calcium concentration is determined.) A serum chemistry profile is useful to rule out concurrent hypoglycemia and other electrolyte imbalances. Prolongation of the QT interval and ventricular premature contractions may be seen on the ECG.


Treatment and Prevention:
Slow IV administration of 10% calcium gluconate is given to effect (0.5-1.5 mL/kg over 10-30 min; 5-20 mL is the usual dose). This usually results in rapid clinical improvement within 15 min. Muscle relaxation should be immediate.
During administration of calcium, heart rate should be carefully monitored for bradycardia or arrhythmia by auscultation or by ECG. Signs of toxicity from too rapid administration of calcium include bradycardia, shortening of the QT interval, and premature ventricular complexes. If an arrhythmia develops, calcium administration should be discontinued until the heart rate and rhythm are normal
Once the animal is stable, the dose of calcium gluconate needed for initial control of tetany may be diluted in an equal volume of normal (0.9%) saline and given SC, tid, to control clinical signs. (Calcium chloride cannot be given SC.) Alternatively, 5-15 mg of elemental calcium/kg/hr can be continued IV. This protocol effectively supports serum calcium concentrations while waiting for oral vitamin D and calcium therapy
The bitch may remain nonresponsive after correction of hypocalcemia if cerebral edema has developed. Cerebral edema, hyperthermia, and hypoglycemia should be treated if present. Fever usually resolves rapidly with control of tetany, and specific treatment for fever may result in hypothermia.
It is best not to let the puppies or kittens nurse for 12-24 hr. During this period, they should be fed a milk substitute or other appropriate diet; if mature enough, they should be weaned. If tetany recurs in the same lactation, the litter should be removed from the bitch and either hand raised (<4 wk of age) or weaned (>4 wk of age).
After the acute crisis, 25-50 mg of elemental calcium/kg/day in 3 or 4 divided doses is given PO for the remainder of the lactation. Again, the dose of calcium is based on the amount of elemental calcium in the product (ie, calcium carbonate tablets contain 295 mg elemental calcium/1 g tablet). In dogs, the dosage is usually 1-4 g/day, in divided doses. In cats, the dosage of calcium is approximately 0.5-1 g/day, in divided doses. Longterm maintenance therapy with oral vitamin D and oral calcium supplementation usually requires a minimum of 24-96 hr before an effect is achieved. Hypocalcemic animals should, therefore, receive parenteral calcium support during the initial post-tetany period. Calcium carbonate is a good choice because of its high percentage of elemental calcium, ready availability in drugstores in the form of antacids, low cost, and lack of gastric irritation. The dose of calcium can be gradually tapered to avoid unnecessary therapy; there is usually sufficient calcium in commercial pet food to meet the needs of dogs and cats. However, to avoid acute problems of hypocalcemic tetany, oral calcium supplementation should continue throughout lactation.
Vitamin D supplementation is used to increase calcium absorption from the intestines. The concentration of serum calcium should be monitored weekly. The dosage of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) is 0.03-0.06 µg/kg/day. Calcitriol has a rapid onset of action (1-4 days) and short half-life (<1 day). Iatrogenic hypercalcemia is a common complication of this therapy. If hypercalcemia results from overdosage, it can be rapidly corrected by discontinuing calcitriol. The toxic effects resolve in 1-14 days. This is a much briefer period than that seen with dihydrotachysterol (1-3 wk) or ergocalciferol (vitamin D2 ; 1-18 wk).
Corticosteroids lower serum calcium and, therefore, are contraindicated. They may interfere with intestinal calcium transport and increase urinary loss of calcium.
Owners should be warned that this condition is likely to recur with future pregnancies. Steps to consider to prevent puerperal hypocalcemia in the bitch include feeding a high-quality, nutritionally balanced, and appropriate diet during pregnancy and lactation, providing food and water ad lib during lactation, and supplemental feeding of the puppies with milk replacer early in lactation and with solid food after 3-4 wk of age. Oral calcium supplementation during gestation is not indicated and may cause rather than prevent postpartum hypocalcemia. Calcium administration during peak milk production may be helpful in bitches with a history of puerperal hypocalcemia.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Also
Hypocalcemic Tetany in Horses
Parturient Paresis in Cows
Parturient Paresis in Sheep and Goats


© 2008; Merck & Co., Inc.Whitehouse Station, NJ USA. All Rights Reserved.
published in educational partnership with Merial Ltd. Disclaimer / Feedback

LOL...THE ABOVE WAS USEFUL BUT WOULD NEED LAYMAN'S TERMS FOR THE REST !
THE FIRST THINGS YOU POSTED HAVE ALREADY PASSED APART FROM THE LATE PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY...BUT OTHERS READING WILL FIND IT USEFUL IF THEY CAN GET PAST THE JARGON . SO THANKS FOR POSTING.
I HAVE A VERY GOOD BOOK(THE BOOK OF THE BITCH) WHICH I ASKED MY FRIEND TO GET AS WELL...SO WE KNOW ABOUT PRE-ECLAMPSIA...WE THOUGHT THAT WOULD HAPPEN LATER ON...BUT WILL ASK HER WHAT SHE IS FEEDING AT THE MOMENT...I DID TELL HER WHAT SHE WOULD NEED TO FEED HER.
DUNCANMOM....THANKS....I WILL FIND OUT...MY CONCERN AS WELL...I TOLD HER TO FEED HER LESS, MORE FREQUENTLY...IE. LITTLE AND OFTEN AND TO INCREASE THE PROTEIN AND CALCIUM IN THE FOOD. I WAS TOLD I COULD TELL HER TO FEED PUPPY FOOD IN WITH HER NORMAL FOOD...DO YOU THINK THIS IS CORRECT ? SHE ISN'T DOING SO AT THE MOMENT.
I ALSO TOLD HER TO REDUCE HOW FAR SHE WALKS HER....JUST A GENTLE STROLL AND TOLD HER SHE WILL SLEEP MORE AND NOT WANT HER WALK SOON.
SHE IS GOING TO TAKE HER TO THE VET IF SHE SEES ANYTHING LIKE THE SAME AGAIN, BUT I TOLD HER TO PHONE AND ASK A FEW VETS FOR THEIR ADVICE IF SHE IS WORRIED ABOUT UN-NECESSARY TESTS AND STRESS ON THE DOG.
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LOOK ALL THAT OUT FOR ME !
....THAT WAS VERY KIND
Debra x x x x

[Marlee]

Hi there, My I sugest having her blood tested for low calcium. Yes it normally happens after delivery but in some cases, my own girl included it can happen before as the bones of the pups start to calcify. Mom may need to be put on a supplement which could head you off from disater. Bridget had a emergency c-section 2 weeks ago monday for this very reason. Then within a week crashed again. If you see signs early a vitamin pill like osteoform or evem tums can help tremendously.

Good luck
Brandi

[HighlandYorkies]

THANKS SO MUCH....SOUNDS POSSIBLE DOESN'T IT !
NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN BTW...LONG TIME SINCE WE POSTED TOGETHER...Luv Debra x x x x