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688 Neonatal Losses

Measure to the
last rib Insert catheter
VetBooks.ir to the mark

3
Mark at /4
measured
distance
NEONATAL LOSSES Preparing for tube feeding. The distance from the tip of the nose to the last rib should
be measured first. Then, with a permanent marker, 75% of that distance should be measured and marked on
the catheter. (From Rickard V: Birth and the first 24 hours. In Peterson ME, et al, editors: Small animal pediatrics,
St. Louis, 2010, Saunders.)

hematocrit reductions compared with • Hypothermia: gradual correction over 30
adult normal ranges. minutes to 2 hours at a maximal rate of NEONATAL LOSSES Passing the orogastric tube.
• Compare serum gamma-glutamyl transferase 1°F (0.5°C) per 30 minutes to avoid delayed While holding the neonate upright with its neck flexed
(GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels organ failure (not extended), insert the tip of the tube along the roof
to assess transfer of colostrum. • If immune compromise due to insufficient of the mouth, following the path of least resistance.
○ Adequate colostral transfer: neonate’s colostrum ingestion, frozen colostrum, or (From Rickard V: Birth and the first 24 hours. In
serum levels should be 30 (GGT) to fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) administration: Peterson ME, et al, editors: Small animal pediatrics,
St. Louis, 2010, Saunders.)
100 (ALP) times higher than adult values FFP can be given PO (<24-hour-old
during days 1-3 of life. neonate), IP, SQ, or IV: 3-5 mL/lb (6-10 mL/
• FeLV/FIV test kg); maximum of 10 mL/dose. FFP should
○ Positive FIV test can be due to maternal not be mixed with any solution, including should be at a temperature of 85°F-95°F
antibody rather than infection of kitten. milk replacer, IV fluids, or water. The first (29.4°-35°C) with a relative humidity of
• Fecal flotation 3 doses should be given at birth, 12 hours, 55%-65%.
• Thoracic and abdominal radiographs and 24 hours.
○ Lack of fat causes poor serosal detail on • Start administering broad-spectrum bacte- Chronic Treatment
abdominal images. ricidal antibiotics (e.g., ceftiofur [Naxcel] • Supportive care
2.5 mg/kg SQ q 12h for 5 days, which is • Use commercial milk replacement if mother’s
Advanced or Confirmatory Testing considered very safe and has minimal effects milk is not available. Caloric requirements
• Urine culture on intestinal flora). are 155 kcal/kg/d for week 2, 175-198 kcal/
• Infectious disease tests, as appropriate • Correct dehydration with warmed, balanced kg/d for week 3, and 220 kcal/kg/d for
○ Serologic titers: Brucella canis, canine her- crystalloid fluids (lactated Ringer’s solution week 4.
pesvirus, Toxoplasma, Neospora, parvovirus or Normosol-R and 5% dextrose 1 mL/30 g
antigen test body weight IP or intraosseous [IO] initially, Drug Interactions
○ Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is then as needed based on response). • Avoid drugs contraindicated for neonates
confirmatory for herpesvirus. • Correct hypoxemia by administration of (e.g., glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive
○ Virus isolation oxygen at 30%-40%. agents, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs
• Blood typing (purebred cats) • Vitamin K 1 0.01-0.1 mg SQ once because [NSAIDs], fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines,
• Pleural/abdominal fluid analysis puppies < 2 days old have reduced thrombin aminoglycosides, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine,
• Ultrasound of the skull for patients present- levels and chloramphenicol).
ing with hydrocephalus • Correct hypoglycemia if present (p. 552). • Drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion
• Necropsy of any/all animals that die • Correct hypokalemia if present (p. 516). in dog or cat neonates differ from those
• After the patient is stable, provide sup- of adults and vary according to the drug;
TREATMENT portive nursing. In weaker patients with detailed drug information should be obtained
an inadequate suckle reflex, tube feeding is before use in neonates.
Treatment Overview better than bottle feeding because it is a
Treatment is generally supportive, based on more reliable method to minimize possibility Possible Complications
the test results and affected body systems. Not of aspiration (p. 1117). During the first • Transient organ injury (e.g., GI, respiratory)
all treatments need to be instituted at once week of life, feeding guidelines for kittens from the disease process
because it is very easy to overstress puppies are 100-175 kcal/lb (220-380 kcal/kg); for • Fluid volume overload
and kittens of such young age. Assess organ puppies, requirements are 105-120 kcal/lb • Aspiration pneumonia
involvement and institute/revise treatments as (230-260 kcal/kg) divided equally into 6-8 • Death of additional members of litter
clinical signs dictate. feedings daily.
• Viral replication can be inhibited by main- Recommended Monitoring
Acute General Treatment taining body temperature above 101°F-102°F • Body weight q 12h is very important to
• Management of specific disorders if present (38.3°-38.8°C). Clinicians should monitor identify early changes and the need for
(e.g., isoerythrolysis in kittens [p. 686], neonates closely to avoid overheating (not heightened nutrition/diagnostic testing/
canine herpesvirus [p. 466]) more than 103.5°F [39.7°C]). Incubator treatment. Puppies and kittens should gain

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