Canine Eclampsia, or Milk Fever In Dogs

Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which attacks a brood bitch about 3 to 4 weeks after whelping puppies. It is more common in the small breeds of dogs that have had large litters.

Symptoms of eclampsia include stiffness, nervousness and restlessness. The brood bitch will loose interest in her puppies. She will very likely run a fever and have a rapid heart rate. In really severe cases of eclampsia the brood-bitch will have muscle spasms or seizures, and be unable to walk.

Eclampsia is commonly known as milk fever.

It is caused by low blood calcium at a time when the body needs to produce calcium-rich milk. It is treated by administering 10% calcium gluconate injections intravenously, at 0.25-0.75ml per pound body weight per hour. The brood-bitch will usually return to normal in less than fifteen minutes after treatment.

In really severe cases of eclampsia it may be necessary to wean the puppies or place their mother on a calcium supplement for the remainder of the lactation.

People often give their brood-bitch heavy calcium supplements during her pregnancy, however this does not prevent eclampsia, and can actually cause it to reoccur during future pregnancies.

********************************************************************

Russel l Savige has 18 years experience as a professional dog breeder. He is the owner of Training Dog Breeds, which includes a massive Directory of dog related websites, covering breeds and breeding, training, rearing and health issues in dogs.

********************************************************************

---

Essential Oils and Our Pets

Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More

Lets Get Clear On Proper Dog Care

Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More

Breeding Clownfish

Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More

Frustrated Over High Veterinarian Bills?

Over the past 30 years we have learned so much... Read More

Pet Loss: Should You Clone Your Cat?

Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More

Westie Puppies For Sale ? 7 Important Questions To Ask Your West Highland Terrier Breeder

Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More

Which Breed Is Right For You?

Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More

Top 10 benefits of Natural and Holistic Pet Care

There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More

Quickstart Guide to Making Your Own Pet Food at Home

As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More

Maintaining your Fish Bowls

Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More

Six Dog Training Tips to Modify Negative Behavior

Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More

The Basics of Dog Obedience Training for Your New Pet

Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More

The Lowdown on Dog Vaccinations

Over the last 20 years, vaccinations have generally been started... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com Helps Recover Lost Pets

Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More

Things To Think About Before You Buy A Pet Bird

While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More

Animals Are Forever

Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More

7 Puppy Naming Tips

You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More

The Noble Skye Terrier

With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More

Successful Dog Training

Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs... Read More

Electric Dog Fences: Keep You Pet in the Yard and Out of Places You Dont Want Them to Be

Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More

Training Your Dog

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More

Natural Dog Shampoos are Good for Your Dogs Skin and Coat

A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More

Horse Training Facts And Maxims

To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More

Wisdom... Wolves!

Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this... Read More

West Highland White Terrier - Westie Grooming

Westie Grooming ? When your west highland white terrier becomes... Read More

Understanding Psychology Of Dog Training: Pack Behavior & Establishing Control

Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More

Animal Ethics

IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More

Larger Dog Food Isles

Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More

The Benefits of Large Birdcages

We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More

How To Setup A Freshwater Tropical Fish Tank

This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More

Lyme Disease in Dogs

It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More

Dog Safety: How to Keep Your Pups Safe From Loss or Theft

According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More