Page 2325 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

1152 Postpartum Management of the Bitch/Queen

○ Important: any heating implement used • Prepartum dental health should not be ○ Older bitches/queens are more predisposed
needs to be monitored closely with a way ignored. to postpartum disorders (e.g., mastitis [p.
VetBooks.ir • Nonslip absorbent surfaces (blankets, towels, clean the offspring and tear the umbilical ■ Acute metritis is an ascending bacterial
for the young to get away from the heat
○ Remember that the dam uses her mouth to
618], acute metritis).
if it is excessive.
cord. If the dam has poor oral hygiene,
infection (typically gram negative) of
pee pads)
to the umbilicus.
period that can be life-threatening.
• Anesthesia she is more likely to introduce bacteria the uterus in the immediate postpartum
○ If a cesarean section was performed, Clinical signs include fever, dehydra-
careful monitoring of the bitch/queen Possible Complications and tion, depression, anorexia, agalactia,
after anesthesia should continue until Common Errors to Avoid disinterest in offspring, and a deep
the bitch/queen is completely conscious. • Most problems can be clarified and some port wine to black malodorous vaginal
The addition of postcesarean pain medica- fully diagnosed with a thorough history discharge.
tion should strongly be considered (e.g., (environmental, medical) and physical exam • Postpartum complications
tramadol 1-4 mg/kg, carprofen 4.4 mg/ of the dam and offspring. ○ Abnormal exam findings in the dam
kg, meloxicam 0.1 mg/kg). • Postpartum risks may include depression, inappetence,
○ Toy-breed dogs are at a greater risk for poor mothering, inadequate lactation
Anticipated Time postparturient hypocalcemia. (evidenced by anxious or distressed
• Owners should implement unobtrusive ○ Excessively large dog litters may predispose offspring), prolonged or abnormal vaginal
monitoring and not leave first-time mothers dams to eclampsia (p. 281). discharge, and engorged or inflamed
or nervous bitches/queens alone with off- ■ More than 6 pups for small-breed dogs mammary glands.
spring until they are sure the dam will not (<9 kg) ○ Mammary glands should be evaluated daily
cannibalize the young. ■ More than 9 pups for medium-breed for heat, pain, or changes in consistency
○ Typically, it takes 2-3 days, especially after dogs (9-20 kg) (p. 618).
a cesarean section, before a bitch/queen ■ More than 10 pups for large-breed dogs ○ Postpartum rectal temperature normally
can be left alone. (20-40 kg) may be elevated for 24-48 hours but
○ Dog Appeasing Pheromone (diffuser or ■ More than 12 pups for giant-breed dogs should not exceed 39.4°C (103°F).
collar) or Feliway (diffuser or wipes) may (>40 kg) ○ Postpartum lochia (vaginal discharge,
help to calm nervous or agitated bitches ○ Maiden bitches/queens do not always have normal endometrial drainage) can be
or queens, respectively. good mothering instincts. obvious for 4-6 weeks and may last as
○ Maiden bitches are susceptible to long as 12 weeks.
Preparation: Important subinvolution of placental sites (SIPS ■ Normal: green-black to brick red with
Checkpoints [p. 950]). no significant odor (should become
• Prepare an area that is safe and quiet (e.g.,
whelping box/nesting area).
• Attention to hygiene (washing hands, chang-
ing clothes, keeping other dogs/cats away)
reduces the risk of infection for the dam
and offspring.
• It may be necessary to assist the pups/kittens
to suckle initially.
○ If the bitch/queen continues to refuse
to accept the pups/kittens, she should
be evaluated for mammary discomfort
resulting from mastitis (p. 618).
• Nutrition
○ It is important during lactation to provide
enough energy and protein to the dam.
She will need to produce enough milk for
the offspring while maintaining her own A
body weight.
○ Small dog breeds have higher nutrient
requirements per pound of body weight
than large dog breeds.
○ The first week, feed 1 2 times the regular
1
maintenance diet; the second week, feed
two times maintenance; and the third
week, feed three times maintenance.
○ Good-quality, nutrient-dense, easily
digestible food is recommended.
• Because the bitch/queen may express
reluctance to leave the whelping box/nesting
area and her pups/kittens, food and fresh
water may need to be made available in the B
whelping box/nesting area.
• The bitch/queen should be encouraged POSTPARTUM MANAGEMENT OF THE BITCH/QUEEN A, A thermometer should be placed in the
to get some time away from the offspring whelping/nesting box at the level of the puppies or kittens. The temperature should be maintained at 29.5°C-
while the whelping box/nesting area is being 35°C (85°F-95°F), with a temperature gradient so that puppies/kittens can move to a warmer or cooler area if
cleaned. desired. B, It may be necessary to assist the puppies or kittens to suckle initially. (Courtesy Michelle A. Kutzler.)

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