elivery<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\nOnce all the puppies or kittens are delivered<\/span>,<\/span> the mother<\/span>\u2019s work<\/span> is not <\/span>yet <\/span>over. <\/span>Mom needs to feed her newborns \u2013 <\/span>which<\/span> is very energy\/nutrient demanding. <\/span>Two fairly common complications for lactating dogs and cats are mastitis and eclampsia.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Mastitis<\/strong> is an infection of mammary glands and symptoms include an elevated temperature, lethargy, neglecting\/not feeding puppies or kittens, vomiting, diarrhea, and firm, painful, and swollen mammary glands.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Eclampsia<\/strong> is almost always caused by inadequate nutrition, leading to the mom\u2019s total calcium level becoming severely low. When calcium drops too low, mom may experience tremors or have seizure-like activity that causes the body temperature to rapidly increase. This condition is extremely life-threatening.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Your lactating dog or cat should go to the ER if:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n\n- Mom stops nursing or is neglecting her puppies\/kittens<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Mammary glands are firm and painful to the touch, and rectal temperature is elevated<\/span><\/li>\n
- Mom stops eating<\/span><\/li>\n
- Mom experiences frequent vomiting, diarrhea, or progressive lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n
- Mom is constantly shaking, tremoring, or having seizures<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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What to Expect When Coming to the ER<\/span><\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n\u202f<\/span><\/span>If your new mother or soon-to-be mother does need to come to the ER, here are a few things to keep in mind:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Mom and her puppies\/kittens\u2019 immune systems are compromised or immature. Thus, the veterinary team wants them in-hospital only very briefly. It is common for dogs and cats who received a C-section to return home within just a few hours of surgery.<\/span><\/li>\n
- If mom needs to remain in-hospital while puppies\/kittens are discharged home, the veterinary team may want the puppies\/kittens returned to nurse, or they may need to be bottle fed. Make sure to call before showing up to the animal ER so they can provide the safest recommendations – and hopefully, save you the trips back and forth!<\/span><\/li>\n
- When transporting a pregnant or postpartum pet, have someone sit with her in case any fetuses are delivered during transit, as well as to prevent injuries to the mother or any puppies\/kittens. Also \u2013 bring several clean towels!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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How to <\/span>P<\/span>revent <\/span>C<\/span>omplications <\/span>D<\/span>uring and <\/span>A<\/span>fter <\/span>Labor<\/span>:\u202f<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nTo help prevent many of the complications associated with gestation, birth\/labor<\/span>, <\/span>and lactation<\/span>,<\/span> stay in close contact with your primary veterinarian through<\/span>out<\/span> the process. <\/span>As mentioned before, <\/span>the majority of<\/span> births are without complication if the mother is bred conscientiously, <\/span>provided with good nutrition<\/span>,<\/span> and moni<\/span>tored closely.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nA Note to <\/span>B<\/span>
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