Bunch
29-05-08, 03:50 PM
For those of you who have let your pooches have a litter, have there been any signs of Eclampsia? For those who are thinking about letting their bitches have a litter and you are worried about this, please read the following info.........................
As we most of us know, Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening disease caused by low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in dogs. The lactating bitch is especially susceptible to blood calcium depletion because of lactating. The bodies of some lactating bitches just 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 the affected but they lack the ability to quickly 'send' 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.
This is a very serious disorder, but fortunately, the signs are fairly easy to recognise, especially when coupled with the period of lactation. Initially, the affected bitch will be restless and nervous. Within a short time, she will walk with stiff movement and may even wobble or appear disoriented. Eventually, the bitch may be unable to walk and exhibit stiffness in the legs. Body temperature may increase to over 105º F and respiration rates will increase. At this point, death can occur if no treatment is given.
If you suspect eclampsia, visit the vet immediately. Eclampsia can be rapidly corrected by your vet through the use of intravenous calcium supplementation.
As we most of us know, Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening disease caused by low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in dogs. The lactating bitch is especially susceptible to blood calcium depletion because of lactating. The bodies of some lactating bitches just 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 the affected but they lack the ability to quickly 'send' 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.
This is a very serious disorder, but fortunately, the signs are fairly easy to recognise, especially when coupled with the period of lactation. Initially, the affected bitch will be restless and nervous. Within a short time, she will walk with stiff movement and may even wobble or appear disoriented. Eventually, the bitch may be unable to walk and exhibit stiffness in the legs. Body temperature may increase to over 105º F and respiration rates will increase. At this point, death can occur if no treatment is given.
If you suspect eclampsia, visit the vet immediately. Eclampsia can be rapidly corrected by your vet through the use of intravenous calcium supplementation.