Eclampsia (also referred to as milk fever and hypocalcemia) refers to a drop in calcium levels of the blood in nursing mother dogs. This is caused when the parathyroid gland (the gland responsible for controlling calcium levels) is not active enough. It most commonly occurs one to five weeks after giving birth, which is a peak in the lactation cycle. In some cases, eclampsia can occur during birth, giving way to possible complications. Eclampsia is such a problem in nursing mothers because the body is unable to keep up with the calcium being taken from the mother’s body to provide for the young. This condition is more commonly seen when there is a large litter. It is also more likely in small breeds, specifically affecting English setters, Italian Spinone, Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, Shih-Tzus, miniature poodles, and Mexican hairless dogs, though the can condition can develop for any dog.

Eclampsia is an emergency condition and animals that exhibit signs should be relieved from nursing, and the veterinarian contacted immediately. Signs vary depending on the severity of the condition.

While eclampsia normally occurs after the dog has given birth, it is possible for the condition to develop at different stages in the pregnancy:

Eclampsia is most common in smaller breeds of dogs and instances where there is a large litter, or the puppies are larger. Eclampsia is ultimately caused by the mother giving out more calcium through the lactation cycle than she has in her body. Possible reasons to this calcium deficit include:

Any historical data that you can provide your veterinarian leading up to the onset of the signs can aid in diagnosis. In addition to listening to the insight you have to offer, your veterinarian will likely look at the following to come to a conclusion:

Your veterinarian will also want to rule out other conditions that could cause signs similar to eclampsia. These include:

Post-treatment recovery and management is dependent on the severity of the condition and other signs present. The affected mother should not nurse her puppies for 12 to 24 hours after treatment. During this time, the offspring should be provided a milk substitute or other appropriate nutritional replacements. If the offspring are old enough to be weaned, they should be.

If the mother returns to nursing and muscle spasms or other signs return, the litter should no longer nurse from the mother. If they are under four weeks, they will need to be provided milk supplements or other appropriate nutritional replacements. If the litter is over four weeks, they may be able to be weaned from the mother. The dog will be provided oral calcium supplements for the remainder of the lactation cycle. Other therapies for improvement and maintenance include oral vitamin D and calcium supplementation, which will take 1-4 days to show any change. Postpartum eclampsia is likely to recur with future pregnancies though the following preventative steps can be taken: nutritionally balanced and appropriate diet through pregnancy and lactation, feeding and watering as often as desired during lactation, supplementing lactation with milk replacer early on and solid food after 3 to 4 weeks.