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Canine Eclampsia
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Eclampsia (Milk Fever
or Puerperal Tetany)
Race Foster, DVM, Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Eclampsia, also called milk
fever or puerperal tetany, is an acute, life-threatening disease caused
by low
blood
calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in dogs and
more rarely in cats. The lactating animal is especially susceptible to
blood calcium depletion because of milk production. The bodies of some
lactating dogs and cats simply cannot keep up with the increased
demands for calcium. Animals with milk fever lack
the ability to quickly move calcium into their milk without depleting
their
own blood levels of this mineral.
Eclampsia most commonly occurs 1-3 weeks after giving birth, but it can
even occur during pregnancy. Litters do not need to be large to cause
eclampsia. Small breed dogs are at higher risk for eclampsia. 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 late term
pregnancy and/or milk production. Initially, the affected dog 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 dog may be unable to walk and
her
legs may become stiff or rigid. The dog may have a fever, with body
temperature even over 105º F. The respiration rate (number of
breaths per minute) will increase. At this point, death can occur if no
treatment is given.
Treatment of eclampsia
If you suspect your dog has eclampsia, seek veterinary attention at
once and prevent the puppies from nursing for at least 24 hours. Feed
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 that can occur. She will be continued on oral calcium
supplements, if necessary.
If the dog responds well to treatment, in some cases, the puppies may
be gradually allowed to nurse again. If your dog has had eclampsia, be
sure
to consult with your veterinarian before allowing the puppies to nurse
again.
Prevention of eclampsia
Inappropriate calcium supplementation can predispose a bitch to develop
eclampsia.
Over-supplementation of calcium during pregnancy may increase the risk
of eclampsia. There is a complex way the body maintains the proper
amount
of calcium in the blood. The body is constantly adding calcium to bones
and then removing it, as needed. This is regulated by a hormone
produced
by the parathyroid gland, called parathyroid hormone. If a dog receives
increased
amounts of calcium during pregnancy, her body's production of
parathyroid
hormone greatly decreases. When the dog suddenly needs large amounts of
calcium
for milk production, the system is not ready to start removing it from
the
bone. This is because it takes some time for the parathyroid gland to
start
producing the hormone again. Because of the lack in parathyroid
hormone,
the blood calcium level suddenly drops, and produces the signs of
eclampsia.
So, adequate amounts of calcium need to be given during pregnancy, but
not enough to slow down the production of parathyroid hormone. This
means
calcium supplements are generally not recommended. Also, it is
important
for the calcium and phosphorus in the diet to be at the correct ratio
of
1:1 (i.e.; 1 part calcium to 1 part phosphorus). Vitamin D must also be
present
in adequate amounts.
Once a dog has had milk fever, there is an excellent chance that she
will also have it with future litters if preventive steps are not
taken. Be sure to work closely with your veterinarian if your dog has
had eclampsia in
the past and is pregnant again.
In conclusion, it is of great importance for owners of pregnant or
nursing dogs to be able to recognize the signs of eclampsia. If you
feel your female dog is showing these signs, remove the pups to prevent
further nursing and seek veterinary assistance at once.
Copyright © 1997-2009, Foster & Smith,
Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from Josie Pitterle Article
Reprint Coordinator Drs. Foster and Smith
PetEducation.com (
http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at
http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
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The above information is simply
informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a
veterinarian nor to assist you
in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own
veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may
depend on it.
