Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

the infected gland to express the milk.
Early treatment may prevent an
abscess.
The milk of an infected breast is of
poor nutritional quality, and puppies
usually refuse to nurse from these teats.
It is seldom necessary to tape a nipple
or bind the teat to prevent nursing.
However, if the puppies are trying to
nurse the infected glands, you will
need to do this. A mammary gland that
is not suckled stops producing milk in
three days.
If the dam is septic, her overall milk
production may decline. She may show
little interest in tending her puppies. If
this happens, remove the puppies and
raise them by hand. If they are 3 weeks
or older, wean them and dry up the
breasts as described in chapter 17.
Prevention: Puppies should have their nails trimmed weekly beginning at
2 to 3 weeks of age to keep them from scratching the skin of the dam.
ECLAMPSIA (MILK FEVER)
PREGNANCY AND WHELPING • 485
The inflamed mammary gland of a dam
with acute septic mastitis.
Eclampsia is a seizurelike condition caused by low serum calcium (hypocalcemia).
It usually appears two to four weeks postpartum. At this time there is
a heavy drain on the mother’s calcium stores because she is nursing.
Small dogs, particularly toys, are most likely to suffer from eclampsia. Large
breeds are seldom affected. Eclampsia is also more likely to occur in dams who
have not received optimum nutrition during pregnancy. It also occurs among
dams with large litters and, paradoxically, in brood bitches who are given calcium
supplements during pregnancy.
Signs of eclampsia are restlessness, anxiety, rapid breathing, and pale
mucus membranes. The dam frequently leaves her puppies and paces up and
down. Her gait may be stiff-legged, uncoordinated, and jerky. Tightening of
the face muscles exposes the teeth and gives her face a pinched look. In severe
cases, she falls down on her side, kicks all four legs, and salivates profusely.
The rectal temperature may be elevated to 106°F (41°C).
Treatment: Eclampsia is an emergency. Notify your veterinarian at once.
Intravenous calcium gluconate is a specific antidote. It is indicated at the first
signs of muscle spasms or tremors. If the rectal temperature is over 104°F
(40°C), treat as described for Heat Stroke (see page 22).