24. Neonatal disorders (bradycardia, hypothermia)

What heart rate is considered bradycardia in puppies and kittens during the first 4-5 days of life?

<150 bpm

What are the common causes of bradycardia in neonates?

Hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, hypothermia

What are the clinical signs of bradycardia in neonates?

Weakness, lethargy, slow and shallow breathing, stupor, pale or blue gums, dilated pupils

How is bradycardia diagnosed in neonates?

Assessing temperature, heart rate, and clinical signs

What is the treatment for bradycardia in neonates?

Oxygen supplementation, artificial ventilation, heat support, chest compressions (1-2 per second), and epinephrine

What body temperature is considered hypothermia in puppies and kittens during the first week of life?

<34.4°C

What is the normal body temperature range for neonates during the first week?

35-36°C

Why can't neonates effectively control their body temperature?

They have a limited ability to regulate and cannot shiver, relying only on a heat search reflex

What are the consequences of hypothermia in neonates?

Slowed metabolism (leading to hypoglycaemia), suppressed respiration (bradypnoea), bradycardia, suppressed suckling reflex (increasing risk of aspiration pneumonia), suppressed immune system, fermentation of ingesta (bloat, ileus)

Why should hypothermic puppies and kittens never be fed?

Due to slowed gut motility and increased risk of regurgitation and aspiration

What are the clinical signs of hypothermia when body temperature is >31.1°C?

Restlessness, loss of appetite, crying, red mucous membranes, cold skin

What are the clinical signs of hypothermia when body temperature is between 28-29°C?

Lethargy, incoordination, bradycardia, bradypnoea, ileus, hypoglycaemia

What clinical sign might suggest a neonate's temperature is below 21°C?

The neonate appears dead

How should hypothermic neonates be rewarmed?

Slowly, at a rate not exceeding 1°C per hour

Why should rewarming be gradual?

Rapid rewarming can cause delayed organ failure due to increased metabolic demand

What supplementation is important during rewarming?

Dextrose, to meet increased caloric demands

How should fluids be administered to hypothermic neonates?

Warm fluids (intravenously, intraperitoneally, or intraosseously), but only 1°C higher than their current body temperature

What is the normal heart rate range for an adult dog?

60-140 bpm (depending on breed)

What is the normal respiratory rate range for an adult dog?

10-30 breaths per minute

What is the normal heart rate range for an adult cat?

160-220 bpm

What is the normal respiratory rate range for an adult cat?

15-30 breaths per minute

What is the primary danger of a suppressed suckling reflex in hypothermic neonates?

Increased risk of regurgitation and aspiration of milk, leading to pneumonia.

What is ileus and what is a key clinical sign in hypothermic neonates?

Ileus is the lack of normal muscle contractions in the intestines, and a key clinical sign is regurgitation.

Why does hypothermia increase the risk of hypoglycaemia?

Slowed metabolism impairs glucose production and utilisation.