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Make sure Mommy is healthy
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 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 (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.
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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.
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On to Puppy Growth
Stages
Pet Medications
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