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but can develop before birth. Hypocalcemia occurs more frequently among small breed females and bitches of first litter. Hypocalcemia can threaten the health of puppies and untreated or delayed intervention can lead to the death of the mother. 2

During a veterinarian examination eclampsia is confirmed by low calcium level blood test. Also, screen for abnormal levels of magnesium or sugar deficiencies. When hypocalcemia is confirmed, puppies of the mother should be hand nursed with milk replacement. 2 Diagnosed hypocalcemia dog is treated intravenously with calcium ("...administering 10% calcium gluconate injections intravenously, at .25-75 ml per pound body weight per hour." 5), and may require additionally sodium bicarbonate and glucose. 1 Administration of intravenous calcium must be given slowly otherwise rapid infusion may cause heart abnormalities: Arrhythmias (Irregular electrical impulses cause abnormal heart rhythms. 11) and slowing of the heart rate. Within one to three weeks after treatment reverses the effects of hypocalcemia. 10 "Mild sedation may be beneficial to assist in relaxing the muscles." Also treatment may include reducing body temperature by emersing the dog in a cool bath. "Sometimes cortisone is very helpful in preventing Canine Eclampsia ask your veterinarian about having some on hand prior to the next whelping." 6 Following initial treatment, remaining time of lactation calcium supplements are administered. Also, well balanced diet is recommended and nearby monitoring. 1 Hypocalcemia female dogs frequently will have recurrence in later pregnancies, and predominately occur before birth of the puppies. 9

Only when eclampsia has previously occurred, giving calcium supplement (500 mg of calcium carbonate per 5 kg of body weight per day) during the first week through the fourth or fifth week of lactation should be given if needed. 10

References:

1.) Eclampsia - http://www.gopetsamerica.com/d og-health/eclampsia.aspx

2.) Canine Eclampsia (Low Calcium) - http://www.animalhealthcare.ca /contents/content.asp?id=415&a mp;cat=dogs

3.) Aggression toward Newborn Puppies - http://www.chesapeakes.net/hea lth/eclampsia.html

4.) Eclampsia in Dogs - http://www.petplace.com/dogs/e clampsia-in-dogs/page1.aspx

5.) Canine Eclampsia, or Milk Fever in Dogs - http://www.startfinish.biz/pet s/Canine-Eclampsia-or-Milk-Fev er-In-Dogs_31507/

6.) ECLAMPSIA (Puerperal Tetany) IN THE DOG - http://www.thepetcenter.com/ge n/ec.html

7.) Parathyroid gland - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P arathyroid_gland

8.) Eclampsia (Milk Fever or Puerperal Tetany) - http://www.gsdhelp.info/repro/ eclampsia.html

9.) HYPOCALCEMIA - http://www.petsvetsandyou.com/ pcl/articles/c100010/q10000085 .htm

10.) ECLAMSIA - http://www.lowchensaustralia.c om/breeding/eclampsia.htm

11.) What Are Arrhythmias? - http://www.americanheart.org/p resenter.jhtml?identifier=560

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