Eclampsia

Eclampsia is a condition that occurs after a dog (rarely cats) gives birth. This syndrome is most common approximately 1-4 weeks postpartum, but can occur during pregnancy or during the second month of lactation. Small breed dogs are at an increased risk.

This condition occurs when the mother’s calcium becomes very low in the bloodstream. This is most common when the puppies are nursing. Dogs that are first time mothers or are small and have a large litter are predisposed. Dogs that also had poor nutrition during their pregnancy are also more likely to get eclampsia.

The patients will generally become restless, vomit, have diarrhea, and may pant or whine. Neurological signs such as ataxia, stiffness, and convulsions can develop very quickly, usually within 12 hours.

This condition is a true medical emergency and the patient must be treated aggressively to avoid death. The puppies will need to be removed from the mother and hand raised. These mothers should be spayed and not allowed to breed again since the condition is likely to recur with other litters.