Milk Fever in Dogs: Cause, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Milk Fever in Dogs?

Milk fever, also known as eclampsia or puerperal tetany, is a condition that primarily affects lactating female dogs. Eclampsia (milk fever) is not the same syndrome in dogs and cats as is seen in humans. In dogs and cats this problem is due to a low concentration of calcium in the bloodstream.

During pregnancy and lactation, the mother dog's calcium requirements increase significantly to support the growth and development of puppies and milk production. This low amount of calcium has the effect of causing muscle spasms, difficulty breathing and, eventually, convulsions resulting in an elevated temperature (hyperthermia). In very severe cases (especially if left untreated) it can lead to a swelling of the brain and possibly death.

What Causes Milk Fever in Dogs?

Milk Fever in Dogs (also known as hypocalcemia) occurs when a mother dog’s calcium levels drop too low after giving birth, making it difficult to produce milk.

Causes of Milk Fever in Dogs:

• Low Calcium Levels: Common after birth due to increased demand for milk production.
• Poor Diet: Inadequate calcium intake during pregnancy or lactation.
• Large Litters: More puppies require more milk, increasing calcium depletion.
• Rapid Milk Production: Sudden increase in milk production can overwhelm the body’s calcium supply.
• Age and Health: Older dogs or those with previous calcium imbalances are more prone.

Breeds Prone to Milk Fever:

• Large Breeds: Such as Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and Saint Bernards.
• Dogs with Large Litters: Especially those carrying 8+ puppies.
• Dogs with Previous Calcium Issues: Breeds that have had previous problems with milk production or calcium balance.

Important Organ Involved:

The parathyroid glands play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels. When milk fever strikes, these glands may fail to release enough parathyroid hormone to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood, leading to symptoms like weakness, tremors, and, in severe cases, seizures.

Function of the Parathyroid Gland

1. Calcium Regulation: 
   The primary function of the parathyroid gland is to maintain calcium homeostasis. It secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps control and balance calcium levels in the blood.

2. Bone and Kidney Interaction: 
   PTH influences bones to release calcium into the bloodstream. Additionally, it affects the kidneys by reducing calcium excretion and promoting the conversion of vitamin D into its active form, which further aids in calcium absorption from the diet.

Impact on Milk Fever

• Increased Demand for Calcium: 
  During the onset of lactation, the calcium demand suddenly skyrockets to produce milk. If the parathyroid gland does not respond efficiently, the cow may suffer from low blood calcium, leading to milk fever.

• Prevention and Management: 
  Effective management of the parathyroid function, through diet and possibly supplementation, can help ensure a dairy cow’s calcium levels remain stable, thus preventing the development of milk fever.

How Common is Milk Fever in Dogs?

Milk fever, also known as eclampsia or puerperal tetany, is a relatively uncommon condition in dogs. It is important to note that milk fever is more prevalent in dogs with large litters or those producing a substantial amount of milk. The higher the demand for calcium due to the larger litter size, the greater the risk of developing milk fever if the calcium requirements are not adequately met.

When Do Dogs Usually Get Milk Fever?

Eclampsia, also known as milk fever or puerperal tetany, typically occurs in lactating female dogs within 2 to 4 weeks after giving birth.  If the dog's calcium levels become depleted or cannot be replenished adequately, it can lead to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), which is the hallmark of eclampsia.

Symptoms of Milk Fever in Dogs

Early signs of milk fever, also known as eclampsia or puerperal tetany, in dogs can be subtle and easily overlooked.

Early Signs of Milk Fever in Dogs

• Restlessness and anxiety
• Stiffness or difficulty walking
• Weakness or reluctance to move
• Panting and rapid breathing
• Decreased appetite
• Increased heart rate
• Disorientation or confusion

It's important to note that the early signs of milk fever can progress rapidly to more severe symptoms, including

• muscle stiffness
• seizures
• life-threatening complications

Therefore, if you suspect your lactating dog may be experiencing milk fever or observe any concerning signs, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.

How to Cure Milk Fever in Dogs?

The treatment for milk fever involves addressing the low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and providing supportive care to stabilize the dog's condition will probably give your dog an intravenous solution of calcium very slowly over 5 to 30 minutes. The primary solution is intravenous administration of calcium gluconate or calcium borogluconate to rapidly restore the blood calcium levels. Sometimes additional treatment may be required such as correcting hyperthermia or controlling seizures, but usually the correction of the low calcium will be sufficient to reverse the symptoms. 

How to Treat Milk Fever in Dogs at Home?

Treating milk fever (eclampsia or puerperal tetany) at home is not recommended. However, care at home after treatment is necessary. Once your pet has been stabilized it is extremely important that she no longer has such an intense loss of calcium.

1. The puppies should be either completely removed from their mother, and then hand fed a special puppy formula.
   
   When dealing with milk fever symptoms, veterinary professionals often advise allowing the mother to see her puppies occasionally, as separation can cause distress.
   
   But you might need to transition to bottle feeding the puppies during her visits. This requires careful monitoring to ensure the puppies are receiving adequate nutrition while keeping the mother calm and stress-free.
   
   
2. Providing a well-balanced diet for the lactating dog is crucial. The diet should meet the dog's nutritional needs, including appropriate levels of calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients- a good quality tinned or dried puppy diet is ideal. Adding calcium and vitamin D to the diet increases calcium absorption.
   
   
3. If the mother has severe or recurring episodes of milk fever, the veterinarian may recommend temporarily weaning the puppies to reduce the need for milk production. The mother's nipples and abdomen should be covered with an abdominal wrap, or a small T-shirt so that the puppy cannot nurse.

How to Prevent Milk Fever in Dogs?

Preventing milk fever, also known as eclampsia or puerperal tetany, in dogs involves providing proper nutrition, monitoring the mother dog's health, and taking preventive measures during pregnancy and lactation.

1. Balanced Diet

Consult with your veterinarian to ensure the diet meets her nutritional needs, including appropriate levels of calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients. Avoid excessive calcium supplementation during pregnancy, as it can disrupt calcium metabolism.

2. Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Schedule regular veterinary check-ups throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. The veterinarian can monitor the mother dog's health, and assess her calcium levels to ensure they are within the appropriate range. 

3. During Lactation

• Gradually wean the puppies to reduce the demand for milk production.
• Ensure the mother dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Proper hydration is essential for overall health and calcium metabolism.
• Frequent walks and sunbathing with mother dog and proper supplementation of milk products.

4. Breed Selection

Certain dog breeds, especially small breeds, are more prone to developing milk fever. Consider the breed's susceptibility to milk fever when selecting breeding dogs, and consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations and precautions.

FAQs

Can Dogs Nurse After Milk Fever?

The ability to nurse after milk fever depends on the severity of the condition, the dog's individual recovery, and the overall health of the mother. It is crucial to address the underlying milk fever and stabilize the dog's health before considering nursing.

How Long Does Milk Fever Last in Dogs?

In general, with prompt veterinary intervention and appropriate treatment, the symptoms of milk fever can start to improve within hours to days.

Will Milk Fever Happen Again?

Yes, once a dog has experienced milk fever, there is a possibility that it may occur again in subsequent pregnancies or lactation periods. Dogs that have had milk fever in the past are considered at a higher risk for developing the condition in the future.

Can Milk Fever Be Contagious to Pups?

Eclampsia itself is not contagious to puppies, but they can be harmed when their mother has it. If caregivers don't catch eclampsia when it occurs, puppies may be left without a food source for several hours.

This is especially dangerous for newborn puppies.