MILK FEVER

Puerperal Hypocalcemia in Small Animals

(Postpartum hypocalcemia, Periparturient hypocalcemia, Puerperal tetany, Eclampsia)

Puerperal hypocalcemia is an acute, life-threatening condition usually seen at peak lactation, 2-3 wk after whelping. Small-breed bitches with large litters are most often affected. Hypocalcemia may also occur during parturition and may precipitate dystocia.

Etiology and Pathogenesis:

Hypocalcemia most likely results from the loss of calcium into the milk and from inadequate dietary calcium intake. This imbalance in calcium metabolism occurs because calcium mobilization from bone into the serum pool is insufficient to maintain the efflux of calcium leaving through the mammary glands. Heavy lactational demands from large neonates or a large litter are often noted. The incidence is increased in small breeds of dogs, although puerperal hypocalcemia can occur in any breed of dog, with any size litter, and at any time during lactation. Rarely, it occurs during late gestation in bitches. Although uncommon in queens, it may occur during early lactation.

Parturient paresis in pregnant and lactating ewes and does/MILK FEVER

Parturient paresis in pregnant and lactating ewes and does is a disturbance of metabolism characterized by acute hypocalcemia and rapid development of hyperexcitability, ataxia, paresis, coma, and death.

Hypocalcemic tetany in horses

Hypocalcemic tetany in horses is an uncommon condition associated with acute depletion of serum ionized calcium and sometimes with alterations in serum concentrations of magnesium and phosphate. It occurs after prolonged physical exertion or transport (transport tetany) and in lactating mares (lactation tetany). Signs are variable and relate to neuromuscular hyperirritability.