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Eclampsia of the female dog

Eclampsia is a sudden drop in blood calcium in a nursing dog. Calcium is used for muscle contraction. When it is missing, the muscles contract in a disorderly manner: the dog trembles, stiffens, staggers, then convulses. This happens becaus...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Eclampsia is a sudden drop in blood calcium in a nursing dog.

Calcium is used for muscle contraction. When it is missing, the muscles contract in a disorderly manner: the dog trembles, stiffens, staggers, then convulses.

This happens because milk production consumes a lot of calcium, especially when the litter is large and the puppies are growing.

Key point

Tremors or convulsions in a nursing dog: this is a life-threatening emergency. We don't delay, we don't treat at home, we go immediately to a veterinarian.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Tremors Seizures Fever Rapid breathing Excessive salivation Staggering gait Lying animal that does not get up Unusual aggression Restlessness Stiffness Heat intolerance

The first signs are discreet and often misinterpreted: the dog is agitated, she pants, she whines, she neglects or, on the contrary, anxiously watches her puppies, she can be unusually irritable.

Then appear the tremors, the stiffness of the legs, the staggering gait, the clumsiness.

Salivation increases, panting becomes intense.

The dog ends up falling on her side, her limbs tense and rigid, with muscular contractions; convulsions occur.

The temperature rises sharply due to continuous muscular work.

Without treatment, the disease progresses to coma and death within a few hours.

The picture most often appears in the first weeks after giving birth, a period when milk production is maximum, but it can also occur at the end of gestation or just after birth.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

Milk production draws calcium from the blood faster than the body can replace it.

Bone reserves and intestinal absorption do not keep up, especially in small dogs feeding a large litter.

An inadequate diet during gestation plays an important role: calcium supplementation given during gestation, contrary to what is often believed, puts the natural mechanisms of calcium mobilization to rest and increases the risk of eclampsia once lactation has started.

An unbalanced diet of calcium and phosphorus during gestation or breastfeeding also promotes the disorder.

Small breed dog, in whom eclampsia is significantly more common.

Large litter relative to the size of the mother.

First litter.

Period of the first three to four weeks after giving birth.

Calcium supplementation administered during gestation without veterinary indication.

Pregnancy and lactation ration poorly balanced or insufficient in quantity.

History of eclampsia in a previous litter.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

There is no time to waste on examinations at home: the best course of action is to notify the clinic and leave immediately.

Along the way, keep the dog calm, in the dark if possible, without stimulation; do not try to give her food or drink if she is convulsing.

At the clinic, the veterinarian recognizes the picture in a lactating dog and confirms it by measuring blood calcium, supplemented by a general assessment and taking the temperature.

Other causes of convulsions are ruled out at the same time: drop in blood sugar, intoxication, infection, neurological disease.

If possible, provide useful information: date of birth, number of puppies, food given during gestation, supplements administered.

Treatment

Emergency treatment consists of reinjecting calcium intravenously, slowly and under monitoring of the heart rate: this administration is dangerous if it is done too quickly, it is the sole responsibility of the veterinarian.

The response is spectacular: the tremors often subside within a few minutes.

Cooling measures are implemented if the temperature is very high, and supportive treatments are added depending on the condition of the female dog.

Puppies are separated from the mother for at least twenty-four hours and fed puppy formula; depending on their age and the veterinarian's opinion, breastfeeding is then partially resumed or definitively stopped in favor of weaning.

Calcium supplementation by mouth is sometimes prescribed for the continuation of lactation: it is only given on prescription, never on your own initiative.

No home treatment is suitable: giving milk, cheese or a supplement purchased in a pharmacy does not correct an ongoing crisis and wastes crucial time.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Feed the pregnant and then lactating female dog with a complete and balanced diet designed for this period, in sufficient quantity, especially during peak lactation.

Do not give calcium supplements during gestation without a prescription: this widespread practice increases the risk instead of reducing it.

Closely monitor small breed female dogs with large litters, especially between the first and fourth weeks after giving birth.

Supplement the puppies' diet as soon as possible to ease the demand for milk when the litter is large.

In a dog who has already had eclampsia, plan close follow-up with the veterinarian from the next pregnancy.

Possible complications

Very high body temperature linked to continuous muscular activity, with risk of organ damage.

Heart rhythm disturbances.

Brain edema and nervous after-effects after prolonged convulsions.

Death within a few hours in the absence of treatment.

Recurrence during the same lactation or during a subsequent litter.

In puppies, sudden cessation of breastfeeding which requires a rapid switch to bottle feeding.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog is breastfeeding and trembling, staggering, stiffening or convulsing: a life-threatening emergency, go to a veterinarian immediately.

She pants constantly, seems agitated, whines, appears unusually nervous or irritable in the weeks following giving birth: consult without waiting for the appearance of convulsions.

It is hot, very stiff, or can no longer get up.

She already had eclampsia in a previous litter and has just given birth: report this to the veterinarian now.

Prognosis

Treated in time, eclampsia corrects itself very quickly and the dog most often recovers completely.

The prognosis directly depends on the delay: a prolonged attack with convulsions and severe hyperthermia can leave after-effects or be fatal.

A recurrence is possible during the same lactation, hence the importance of monitoring and support measures decided with the veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give my dog calcium during pregnancy to prevent eclampsia?

No, unless prescribed. Calcium intake during gestation puts the natural mechanisms that mobilize calcium from bones to rest and increases the risk of eclampsia during lactation.

Can my puppies continue to nurse?

They are separated from the mother for at least twenty-four hours and fed puppy formula. The possible resumption of breastfeeding is decided with the veterinarian according to the age of the litter.

My dog is shaking a little but not convulsing, can I wait until tomorrow?

No. The tremors sometimes precede the convulsions very slightly. This is precisely the time when treatment is most effective and safest.

Which breeds are most affected?

Small breed female dogs who raise large litters are most at risk, but no breed is completely immune.