B23. Feeding of Orphan Pups, Kittens, and Foals

Question 1

Orphan puppies, BW and causes of death

Answer 1

Newborn: 100 – 750 g BW

Body weight should be doubles within 8 – 10 days

Common causes of sickness and even death of neonatal puppies are:
o Hypoglycemia
o Dehydration
o Hypothermia

Question 2

Orphan puppies; Artificial feeding:

Answer 2

Artificial feeding: as the kitten, but milk replacers are different
o Cow milk should be diluted because it is too rich in lactose
o Add protein and fat (bitch´s milk is richer in these)
- Watch out for persistent crying, failure to gain weight, decreased activity and decreased muscle tone

Question 3

Orphan kittens

Answer 3

Newborn: 90 – 120 g BW
Best; surregate
Milk replacer

Question 4

Orphan kitten feeding with replacer;

Answer 4

4 -6 times a day 
much? (per day, not per feeding)
o	Week 1: 13 – 15 ml/100g BW
o	Week 2: 15 – 18 ml/100g BW
o	Week 3: 20 ml/100g BW
o	Week 4: 20 ml/100g BW + solid kitten feed

Question 5

Orphan foal;

- Feed artificial milk replacer

Answer 5

Give first 4L/day, and later give 9 – 10 L/day every 2-3 hours.

o 600 ml dairy cow milk
o 400 ml water
o 36 gram sugar (lactose)
o + 2 – 3 raw eggs/day for essential amino acids and vitamin D

Simply skimmed milk can also be used for shorter periods

Question 6

Weak foal

Answer 6

• If the newborn is very weak –> use hypertonic IV solution for total parenteral nutrition