The Use Of Calcium in the pregnant or lactating bitch.
Over the years I have heard some controversy regarding the subject of "do we supplement with Calcium, if so when, why, and how". Some breeders do not believe in supplementing with Calcium at any time at all. Others believe it can be responsible for over sized whelps at birth, and others believe that it can upset the natural blood calcium level in the bitch and cause Eclampsia from too much Calcium. Some vets, also share the same ideas and are just as controversial as breeders!
Now, before I go on any further, I feel there is something I need to explain about Calcium. Firstly, the Calcium intake from a natural form, such as milk, cheese, sardines etc. is not the same as supplementing with Calcium liquid or tablets or powder. Secondly, my experience is, if you do give the latter type of Calcium, what the body does not absorb, will result in being expelled from the body through diarrhea.
Now, keeping those two points in mind does not mean that I use Calcium (or any other vitamin or drug for that matter) indiscriminately. However, I am not afraid to use correctly and when needed.
There are three main reasons why I will use Calcium in bitches.
1. To prevent and or treat Eclampsia.
2. To aide in uterine contractions.
3. To prevent Calcium depletion in the bitch, which long term can result in tooth loss and brittle bones.
I do not use Calcium in pregnant bitches, unless she indicates to me the first signs of Eclampsia and this does not generally happen until late gestation, and yes, Eclampsia can happen during gestation as well as post whelping!
I use very small amounts of the liquid Calcium by the brand name Calcium Sandoz. The recommended dosages are on the bottle. I give one ml at a time, as the bitch indicates to me, how she needs it. Which means, all depending on the bitch and the symptoms she is exhibiting, will determine the amount I will use, but I always divide the dose using one ml at a time, hourly, or even half hourly, until the symptoms subside, or the bitch develops diarrhea, in which case, her body is indicating to me, we have reached the highest tolerated level. In all the years I have been breeding, I have never had an adverse affect using this method or using Calcium. Eclampsia is, on the other hand, deadly left untreated. Keep that in mind.
Symptoms I look for in a bitch late gestation, during labor, or post whelping, are shivering, panting, restlessness, a glassy eyed daze look and stiffened gate.
During labor, I will administer Calcium at the above rate to help with uterine tone and contractions. In fact, many a case of uterine inertia can be helped with the administration of Calcium. I do so orally, but in cases where there is total inertia or advanced Eclampsia I will inject with Calcium. Using Oxytocin without the use of Calcium, is not sufficient to help induce labour.
Post whelping, I will give a small dose of Calcium daily, not necessarily the recommended dose, unless the bitch is exhibiting signs of Eclampsia.
You need to monitor your bitch closely, know what you are looking for and when and how to use it. This can be the difference between easy whelping, or a difficult whelping, Eclampsia or a healthy bitch nursing her puppies. The choice is your own. I know which one I make.
Written By
Anne Muscat-Roditis
Author of the book
"Let's Talk Dogs".
© copyright 2007
Over the years I have heard some controversy regarding the subject of "do we supplement with Calcium, if so when, why, and how". Some breeders do not believe in supplementing with Calcium at any time at all. Others believe it can be responsible for over sized whelps at birth, and others believe that it can upset the natural blood calcium level in the bitch and cause Eclampsia from too much Calcium. Some vets, also share the same ideas and are just as controversial as breeders!
Now, before I go on any further, I feel there is something I need to explain about Calcium. Firstly, the Calcium intake from a natural form, such as milk, cheese, sardines etc. is not the same as supplementing with Calcium liquid or tablets or powder. Secondly, my experience is, if you do give the latter type of Calcium, what the body does not absorb, will result in being expelled from the body through diarrhea.
Now, keeping those two points in mind does not mean that I use Calcium (or any other vitamin or drug for that matter) indiscriminately. However, I am not afraid to use correctly and when needed.
There are three main reasons why I will use Calcium in bitches.
1. To prevent and or treat Eclampsia.
2. To aide in uterine contractions.
3. To prevent Calcium depletion in the bitch, which long term can result in tooth loss and brittle bones.
I do not use Calcium in pregnant bitches, unless she indicates to me the first signs of Eclampsia and this does not generally happen until late gestation, and yes, Eclampsia can happen during gestation as well as post whelping!
I use very small amounts of the liquid Calcium by the brand name Calcium Sandoz. The recommended dosages are on the bottle. I give one ml at a time, as the bitch indicates to me, how she needs it. Which means, all depending on the bitch and the symptoms she is exhibiting, will determine the amount I will use, but I always divide the dose using one ml at a time, hourly, or even half hourly, until the symptoms subside, or the bitch develops diarrhea, in which case, her body is indicating to me, we have reached the highest tolerated level. In all the years I have been breeding, I have never had an adverse affect using this method or using Calcium. Eclampsia is, on the other hand, deadly left untreated. Keep that in mind.
Symptoms I look for in a bitch late gestation, during labor, or post whelping, are shivering, panting, restlessness, a glassy eyed daze look and stiffened gate.
During labor, I will administer Calcium at the above rate to help with uterine tone and contractions. In fact, many a case of uterine inertia can be helped with the administration of Calcium. I do so orally, but in cases where there is total inertia or advanced Eclampsia I will inject with Calcium. Using Oxytocin without the use of Calcium, is not sufficient to help induce labour.
Post whelping, I will give a small dose of Calcium daily, not necessarily the recommended dose, unless the bitch is exhibiting signs of Eclampsia.
You need to monitor your bitch closely, know what you are looking for and when and how to use it. This can be the difference between easy whelping, or a difficult whelping, Eclampsia or a healthy bitch nursing her puppies. The choice is your own. I know which one I make.
Written By
Anne Muscat-Roditis
Author of the book
"Let's Talk Dogs".
© copyright 2007
