30. Management of orphan puppies and kittens (colostrum, milk replacers, bottle and tube feeding, weaning, dehydration and fluid therapy, hypoglycaemia

What can be used as a substitute for lacking maternal antibodies in orphan neonates?

Commercial colostrum or serum from a vaccinated bitch or queen

What is the best option for feeding orphan puppies and kittens?

Commercial milk replacers

What is an acceptable alternative milk source for orphan neonates?

Goat milk (preferably added to commercial replacer)

What is a potential side effect of inadequate milk replacer?

Slight corneal opacity (cloudiness)

What is the maximum stomach volume for a neonate in terms of milk intake?

4-5 ml per 100g of body weight

When is bottle feeding through a teat suitable for orphan puppies?

For puppies with good reflexes

When is gastric tube feeding recommended for orphan puppies?

For puppies with poor reflexes or appetite, or those struggling to gain weight in the first 10 days

How is the length of a gastric tube measured for feeding a puppy?

From the end of the nose to the last rib

Why is precise measurement of the gastric tube important in puppies?

Puppies lack a gag reflex, making it easy to accidentally place the tube in the trachea

What precautions should be taken when using a gastric tube?

Moisten the tube, use warm milk, expel air from the tube, and insert to the pre-measured length

What should be suspected if there is no weight gain improvement after 10 days of tube feeding?

An underlying health issue

When might a dropper or syringe be used for feeding orphan neonates?

For very small, young neonates

Why is syringe feeding not ideal for supporting the sucking reflex?

It doesn't encourage sucking, leading to air ingestion, rapid tiring and feeling full quickly

What is a critical rule regarding feeding hypothermic puppies?

NEVER FEED HYPOTHERMIC PUPPIES (can cause ileus)

What essential action should be performed after every feeding of an orphan neonate?

Stimulate defecation and urination

What is the recommended temperature range for the environment of orphaned neonates?

26.5-35°C

What blood glucose level is considered hypoglycaemia in neonates?

<30 mg/dl

What are some clinical signs of hypoglycaemia in neonates?

Tremors, crying, irritability, increased appetite, dullness, lethargy, coma, stupor, seizures

What are some reasons for hypoglycaemia in neonates?

Sepsis, poor environmental conditions, congenital metabolic defects (glycogen storage disease), portosystemic shunt, hypopituitary dwarfism

Which types of breeds are particularly vulnerable to hypoglycaemia?

Toy breeds

How is hypoglycaemia treated in neonates?

IV dextrose (5-10%) or higher concentrations directly on mucous membranes of the mouth

What is important to monitor after treating hypoglycaemia?

Blood glucose levels to avoid hyperglycaemia

Why are neonates at high risk of dehydration?

High body water content, inability to concentrate urine, impaired ability to autoregulate renal blood flow

What are some causes of dehydration in neonates?

Diarrhoea, vomiting, pneumonia, decreased milk intake, high ambient temperatures

Is skin elasticity a reliable indicator of dehydration in neonates?

No, they have a lot of loose skin

How can urine colour be assessed for dehydration in neonates?

By using cotton to collect urine after stimulating the area

What does transparent urine typically indicate in a neonate?

Physiological hydration

What does yellow urine typically indicate in a neonate?

Dehydration

How is dehydration best assessed in neonates?

Using mucous membranes (MM)

What do dry, tacky mucous membranes suggest about dehydration?

5-7% dehydration

What do very dry mucous membranes and decreased skin elasticity suggest about dehydration?

10% dehydration

What do mucous membranes indicating 12% or more dehydration suggest?

Circulatory collapse

What is the primary treatment for dehydration in neonates?

Providing fluids

How are very mild cases of dehydration treated?

Orally, after assessing gut motility

How are mild cases of dehydration treated?

Subcutaneously (SC), slowly

When is IV or intraosseous fluid administration necessary?

In more severe cases, working aseptically

What is the typical daily fluid requirement for neonates?

80-100 ml/kg/day

What is the typical hourly fluid infusion rate?

3-4 ml/kg/hr

What is the recommended bolus volume for moderate to severe dehydration?

30-40 ml/kg

What type of fluids are typically used for rehydration?

Crystalloids, warmed to no more than 1°C over body temperature

What should be monitored during fluid therapy for dehydration?

Rehydration status (MM, weight)

Why is it crucial to check a neonate's temperature before feeding?

To prevent ileus, which can occur if hypothermic neonates are fed.

What is the significance of the first 24 hours regarding colostrum intake and the neonate's gut?

After 24 hours, the intestines start to close for immunoglobulin absorption, making colostrum less beneficial for antibody transfer.