actions regarding the information on this web site. I am not a Veterinarian, nor do I portray myself to be one, so if you have medical questions please call your Vet first and foremost. Make sure Mommy is healthy Hypocalcemia Hypoglycemia Acute Metritis General Health The best thing you can do is watch for signs and, if you spot anything amiss, visit your veterinarian. Signs to watch for include: Listlessness Obvious pain Loss of appetite Feels cold Fever – learn how to take your dog’s temperature Frequent coughing or sneezing Frequent upset stomach Frequent loose bowels Watch for these signs and symptoms: Hypocalcemia in Lactating Mommies (milk fever, eclampsia, puerperal tetany) Hypocalcemia Hypocalcemia (milk fever) occurs in female dogs of all breeds, but most frequently in smaller breeds. Females with a heavy milk production and a large litter of actively nursing puppies are most likely affected. The exact cause is unknown, but there appears to be an imbalance between calcium uptake from the digestive tract and calcium outflow in milk, bone, urine, and feces. Because the level of calcium in the blood is reduced, replacement of calcium is essential. Without prompt treatment, the condition can be fatal. Milk fever may recur in later pregnancies. The veterinarian will discuss prevention if you plan to breed your dog again. Initial treatment consists of intravenous calcium until signs are relieved. Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur: Your dog staggers or has a stiff gait. Your dog has a muscle tremor or rigid limbs. Your dog acts restless or anxious. Your dog pants excessively. Acute Metritis Acute metritis is a rapidly developing infection of the uterus, usually occurring at the time of birth. It may be a result of abortion, retained placenta, or a mild infection in the uterus. Bacteria may also enter the uterus during attempts by owners to help the mother during delivery. . A vaginal discharge is often mixed with blood and pus. The patient is feverish and depressed, loses her appetite, and refuses to care for her young. The puppies or kittens cry excessively and seem restless even after nursing. . Acute metritis may be considered an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Your veterinarian may recommend that your pet not be used for future breeding. Spaying may be necessary. Laboratory tests may be required to evaluate your pet’s condition and her ability to undergo possible surgery (spay). If babies are still nursing, they may need to be taken from the mother and fed by hand to prevent their being contaminated by the vaginal discharge. . Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur: Your pet refuses to eat or seems depressed. Your pet repeatedly vomits. Your pet seems unusually thirsty. The babies become weak or die. Hypoglycemia... Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the chihuahua's blood sugar level drops to an extremely low level, causing "sugar shock." When levels of glucose in the blood drop rapidly, the dog's body and brain are deprived of essential nutrients. The results of hypoglycemia can be weakness, seizures, coma, and in severe cases, death. Because chihuahuas are so small, they can be prone to hypoglycemia, especially when they are very young. Hypoglycemia is usually caused by stress, illness, lack of food, or by using up stored energy without it being replenished. It is important to make sure that young puppies and very tiny chihuahuas eat regularly throughout the day. Another preventative for hypoglycemia is regular feeding of a high-calorie supplement called Nutrical, available from your veterinarian or your local pet store. If you suspect that your chihuahua is hypoglycemic, call your vet AT ONCE as this condition can be quickly fatal. General Health Information Chihuahua Chihuahuas are a long-lived breed, often living 16 or more years of age. However, there are some genetic diseases that can cause problems. The Chihuahua is susceptible to slipped stifles (a knee injury caused by joint weakness) and fractures and may suffer from jawbone disorders, eye problems, heart disease, and tooth and gum complaints. Chihuahuas should not be allowed to jump off high furniture or out of your arms as the impact on landing could fracture a leg. Children should not be allowed to carry a Chihuahua or to play roughly with one for the same reason. The Chihuahua is also born with a soft spot on the top of his head that may not fully close, so a blow here could kill him. The Chihuahua tendency to shiver or tremble is not a health issue but takes place when the dog is excited or stressed. One explanation is the toy dogs have a higher metabolism and so dissipate body heat faster than larger dogs. Shivering helps to generate body heat – that’s why people shiver when we are cold. However, rapid dissipation of body heat is a distinct disadvantage in cool or cold climates, so Chihuahuas should always be protected when taken outdoors in these areas. Fortunately, there are dozens of styles of protective sweaters available. The normal body temperature for dogs ranges between 99.5° to 102.5°F. Like humans, dogs need to keep their body temperature as close to normal as possible. Learn to check your dog’s temperature if possible when you have concerns and contact your veterinarian if you find any problems. A very special thanks to www.chihuahualoving.com for the use of this information. |
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