Postpartum Disorders Flashcards
What is the best indirect measure of milk production in the dam?
Puppy weight gain
What type of drug is metoclopramide?
Dopamine antagonist
Why should metoclopramide be given within the first 24 hours of parturition if a dam is experiencing dysgalactia/agalactia?
Because it is a dopamine antagonist, which is going to increase prolactin & ultimately increase milk production
T/F: Metritis can occur either prepartum or postpartum.
F, only occurs postpartum
T/F: Metritis only occurs following abortion, fetal infection, or dystocia. Never after a normal, uneventful birth.
F, it is more likely to occur if the others things happened but it can still occur even with uneventful births.
What are the clinical signs associated with metritis?
Fever, abnormal vulvar discharge, anorexia, depression, neglect of puppies
What is the recommended treatment for metritis cases?
- Supportive therapy with fluids & antibiotics
- PGF2a to evacuate the uterus
What are the clinical signs/physical exam findings associated with mastitis?
Enlarged, hot, painful gland (usually only a single teat affected), fever, leukocytosis, abnormal milk (purulent; sticky, yellow, thick), teat may also appear discolored or gangrenous
What are the most common organisms involved in mastitis cases?
Coliforms, Staph, Streps.
What are the treatment recommendations for mastitis cases?
- Broad spectrum antibiotics until culture results are back
- Pain & inflammatory control
- Can use cabbage leaves as compress due to anti-inflammatory & antibacterial properties
- Stripping the abnormal teat (manually if puppies aren’t nursing on it)
Is it normal to see discharge postpartum?
Some fluid should be present but it shouldn’t have an odor & it shouldn’t last longer than 3-4 weeks postpartum.
Why should Enrofloxacin be avoided in dams who have neonates nursing that are only 2-3 weeks old?
Neonates 2-3 weeks of age that are non-weight bearing have higher risk for impaired cartilage development. Less risk in neonates <2-3 weeks of age.
T/F: New studies have shown that NSAID concentrations don’t reach high enough in neonate unless the bitch has mastitis.
T, the blood-milk barrier is broken with mastitis
T/F: Oxytocin can be used to evacuate the uterus but it is only effective in the first 1-2 days postpartum.
T
If medical management of mastitis fails (i.e. you aren’t able to evacuate the uterus with medications alone), what is the next recommended treatment?
OHE
