Pregnancy Toxaemia In Bitches.
This is a condition which most times is overlooked by breeders and misdiagnosed by veterinarians, because it is more relevant in other species of animals, such as ewes and Guinea Pig Sows, more so than it is in dogs.
Diet is important both before, during and after pregnancy.
At least two weeks prior to breeding you should have changed gradually from maintenance diet to breeding diet. A breeding diet should be:
• 28% highly digestible animal-based protein
• 18% fat
Optimum levels 31% protein 21% fat
Omega 6: omega 3 levels 5.1 to 10.1
Diet trials prove with this diet, there are:
• fewer misconceptions
• reduced stillbirths
• improved litter size
No change in diet for first five weeks. Less than 30% of foetal growth occurs during the first 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. Most foetal growth occurs in last three weeks of pregnancy. A nutrient dense food is best in late pregnancy (eg puppy growth diet)
3.6 kcal/kg dry food matter or higher is advisable. Also feed smaller more frequent meals to compensate for reduced stomach capacity if carrying high or a large litter. Food intake needs to be increased at 5 weeks, a little each day so by week six there has been a 50% increase in energy.
Aim for a 25% weight gain by week 8 of the pregnancy.
Last two weeks of pregnancy there is a high risk of pregnancy toxaemia.
- in humans hypertension & proteinuria
- in dogs - ketosis
This occurs in dogs due to relative lack of carbohydrates or an alteration in carbohydrate metabolism
This is detected by ketones in urine (diabetics mellitus is different as these are glucose and ketones in urine)
It is potentially life threatening for both bitch and pups
Bitches with large litters are predisposed to pregnancy toxaemia particularly Yorkshire terriers and Labradors.
All bitches east less in last two weeks
- this decreased eating helps reduce calcium intake
- small frequent meals help
- give Nutrigel orally daily if the bitch is anorexic
- multi vitamin, vitamin B, and vitamin C injections should be administered if anorexic
- important not to feed meat only as carbohydrates are needed to avoid pregnancy toxaemia
- Actually want less calcium in last two weeks as excess calcium during late gestation predisposes bitch to pre-eclampsia. Large amounts of calcium in late pregnancy also increase the risk of the bitch having milk fever, (hypocalcaemia) during lactation. It can also cause abnormalities in the pups such as soft tissue calcification, physical abnormalities and gastric dilation and volvulus.
- it is wise to avoid excess calcium and vitamin D supplementation during late pregnancy. Although calcium requirements are high they are best met by feeding a properly balanced diet. Any supplementation is best given during lactation and labor to aide in uterine tone and contractions. During the last week of gestation, if your bitch is shivering or showing signs of needing Calcium to prevent Eclampsia, then a very small dose of Calcium is needed.
Written by Anne Roditis-Muscat
© copyright 2007
This is a condition which most times is overlooked by breeders and misdiagnosed by veterinarians, because it is more relevant in other species of animals, such as ewes and Guinea Pig Sows, more so than it is in dogs.
Diet is important both before, during and after pregnancy.
At least two weeks prior to breeding you should have changed gradually from maintenance diet to breeding diet. A breeding diet should be:
• 28% highly digestible animal-based protein
• 18% fat
Optimum levels 31% protein 21% fat
Omega 6: omega 3 levels 5.1 to 10.1
Diet trials prove with this diet, there are:
• fewer misconceptions
• reduced stillbirths
• improved litter size
No change in diet for first five weeks. Less than 30% of foetal growth occurs during the first 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. Most foetal growth occurs in last three weeks of pregnancy. A nutrient dense food is best in late pregnancy (eg puppy growth diet)
3.6 kcal/kg dry food matter or higher is advisable. Also feed smaller more frequent meals to compensate for reduced stomach capacity if carrying high or a large litter. Food intake needs to be increased at 5 weeks, a little each day so by week six there has been a 50% increase in energy.
Aim for a 25% weight gain by week 8 of the pregnancy.
Last two weeks of pregnancy there is a high risk of pregnancy toxaemia.
- in humans hypertension & proteinuria
- in dogs - ketosis
This occurs in dogs due to relative lack of carbohydrates or an alteration in carbohydrate metabolism
This is detected by ketones in urine (diabetics mellitus is different as these are glucose and ketones in urine)
It is potentially life threatening for both bitch and pups
Bitches with large litters are predisposed to pregnancy toxaemia particularly Yorkshire terriers and Labradors.
All bitches east less in last two weeks
- this decreased eating helps reduce calcium intake
- small frequent meals help
- give Nutrigel orally daily if the bitch is anorexic
- multi vitamin, vitamin B, and vitamin C injections should be administered if anorexic
- important not to feed meat only as carbohydrates are needed to avoid pregnancy toxaemia
- Actually want less calcium in last two weeks as excess calcium during late gestation predisposes bitch to pre-eclampsia. Large amounts of calcium in late pregnancy also increase the risk of the bitch having milk fever, (hypocalcaemia) during lactation. It can also cause abnormalities in the pups such as soft tissue calcification, physical abnormalities and gastric dilation and volvulus.
- it is wise to avoid excess calcium and vitamin D supplementation during late pregnancy. Although calcium requirements are high they are best met by feeding a properly balanced diet. Any supplementation is best given during lactation and labor to aide in uterine tone and contractions. During the last week of gestation, if your bitch is shivering or showing signs of needing Calcium to prevent Eclampsia, then a very small dose of Calcium is needed.
Written by Anne Roditis-Muscat
© copyright 2007
