Puerperal hypocalcemia (eclampsia) in Dogs

Category: Metabolic
Breeds documented: 5
Published sources: 3

Overview

A sharp fall in blood calcium around nursing can disrupt normal nerve and muscle function. Known as eclampsia, this can cause restlessness, shaking and stiff movements, and may progress to seizures. It most often affects small mothers nursing large litters, but any breed can be affected. The condition can develop quickly and requires emergency veterinary care.

Signs to watch for

Unusual panting and restlessness
Shaking, twitching or muscle spasms
A stiff, unsteady walk
Drooling, pacing or seeming confused
Seizures in severe cases

Usually 2 to 3 weeks after birth, but signs can appear during labor or late pregnancy.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if a nursing dog develops shaking and a stiff walk.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets consider recent pregnancy or nursing, the dog's examination and the pattern of signs. A blood calcium measurement confirms the diagnosis. Additional blood tests can check for low blood sugar and other mineral imbalances that may occur alongside it. Treatment may start before the calcium result returns when signs are severe.

Breeds with documented risk

5 breeds

By breed size

3 Toy
1 Small
1 Medium

Miniature PoodleSmall · Non-Sporting Group
Standard PoodleMedium · Non-Sporting Group
Toy PoodleToy · Toy Group
ChihuahuaToy · Toy Group
Miniature PinscherToy · Toy Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.