Book of Proceedings I PetFeeding

35
Orphan feeding and nutrition of the orphan kitten and puppy,
birth to weaning
Galena Quist
Rybachuk, PhD, Res. ECVCN
Orphaned puppies and kittens, first and foremost, should be stabilized, and thus, treated for
hypothermia, dehydration and hypoglycemia, as well as receive a complete physical
examination (e.g. parasites, ocular and respiratory infections, wounds or any congenital
malformations) before being fed. While warming up, warm water with electrolytes and sugar
are the first in nutritional support neonate should receive.
In severely hypovolemic patients, initial shock doses (30-45 ml/kg dogs or 20-30 ml/kg
cats) of balanced crystalloid (lactated Ringer’s or 0.9% NaCl), ideally administered IV
(peripheral or central), can be used. Rehydration is achieved slower via subcutaneous route, but
it’s often the only option. Oral rehydration is contraindicated in hypothermic patients.
Orogastric feeding tube, 5 or 8 French red rubber, or voluntary oral intake can be used only if
neonate is normothermic and minimally dehydrated. Normal stomach volume is approximately
4 to 5 ml per 100 g body weight (Macintire, 1999; Little, 2013). Maintenance fluid requirement
of neonates (120-180 ml/kg/day) is much higher than in older pediatric patients or adults due
to higher surface to weight ratio, lack of body fat, higher metabolic rate, increased respiratory
rate and thus, loses, and higher extracellular fluid content (Macintire, 2008; Hoskins, Fluid
therapy in the puppy and kitten, 1995).
Hypoglycemia complicated by inefficient hepatic gluconeogenesis, immature glucose
feedback and decreased glycogen stores can result in neurodegeneration and cardiovascular
collapse since brain and myocardium depend on carbohydrate metabolism in a neonate (Boluyt,
2006). Dextrose is administered buccally (0.5–1.5 mL/kg of 50% dextrose) or as 2.5%–5% in
IV fluids (Lee, 2015; Davidson, 2014). The subsequent steps will require finding a caretaker,
setting up enclosure, selecting the milk replacer and gradual initiation of nutritional support
avoiding complications such as commensal infections, diarrhea, aspiration pneumonia, and
refeeding syndrome. The first 2 days are critical.
Foster queen or bitch are ideal caretakers, but not often available. Successful foster mother,
will accept the neonate immediately allowing them to nurse, but the interaction and weight gain
should be monitored closely in the first days. Human foster parents raise most orphan kittens
and puppies. Conversely, majority of puppy and kitten neonatal deaths are not due to infectious
diseases, but rather to caregiver error due to inadequate knowledge. Incorrect feeding and
husbandry techniques, delay in identifying a problem or providing treatment result in reduced
survival. Motherless kittens and puppies have vital requirements, they need to be kept warm,
clean, and on safe bedding, be fed properly and stimulated to urinate and defecate, as well as
be well socialized.