Eclampsia in a dog: An overview

Abstract

Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening disease caused by low blood calcium levels (hypocalcaemia) in dogs and more rarely in cats. The causes of Eclampsia are poor nutrition, low blood level of albumin, excessive milk production and disease of parathyroid gland. Imbalance between the rates of in flow and out flow from the extra cellular fluid calcium because of the increased loss into the milk appears to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of puerperal tetany in the bitches. Normally the condition is diagnosed by careful investigation, recording proper history, correlating the clinical signs, response to therapy in most cases and confirming the condition with laboratory diagnosis. Generally, 5-10 ml of 10% calcium gluconate will provide sufficient calcium for a bitch weighing between five and ten Kg. Dietary supplements of calcium and vitamin D are useful in preventing relapse of the disease after treatment and prevention of the disease.