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OBSTETRICS AND PEDIATRICS

Parturition:

1. Guidelines for examination for possible Dystocia when client calls clinic:

A. Greenish or bloody vaginal discharge without delivery of offspring.
B. Malodorous discharge.
C. Intense straining without delivery within 30-60 minutes.
D. Any straining (mild, intermittent) without offspring delivery within 2 - 3 hours.
E. Any discharge occurring more than 5 days before expected delivery date.

2. Offspring should be forced to nurse within 6 hours after birth for maximum colostrum. absorption.

3. We recommend a postpartum examination within 24 hours of delivery.

A. Physical examination
B. Fecal examination
C. Oxytocin injection to aid uterine involution and milk letdown.
D. Deworming
E. Calcium and vitamin supplements
F. Recommend feeding puppy food to female for higher level of nutrition.

4. Emergency Milk Replacers: (Only until can come pick up our commercial formula)

A. 8 ounces of 2% milk + one egg yolk
B. 2/3 cup 4% milk + 3 egg yolks + 1 tablespoon corn oil + liquid vitamin + pinch of salt

Initial Feeding Volume: 15% of the puppy's weight divided into 4-6 meals
Puppies should be fed 4X / day when weaned.

C. ORPHANED KITTEN FORMULA:
½ cup 2% milk + 1 Egg Yolk + 1 drop infant vitamins + 3 Tums
(Tums is an excellent source of calcium.)

5. Dock Tails and Dewclaws at 2-5 days of age.

Normal Neonatology:

Kittens:

1. Able to right themselves and suck at birth.
2. Eyes open at 10 - 14 days of age.
3. Ears open at 7 - 14 days of age.
4. Double the weight during the first week after birth.
5. Sleep 90% of the time.
6. Crawling at 18 days of age.
7. Walking by 3 weeks of age.
8. Require stimulation to urinate and defecate for first few weeks.

Puppies:

1. Able to right themselves and suck at birth.
2. Eyes open at 2 weeks of age.
3. Require stimulation to urinate and defecate for first few weeks.
4. Cannot regulate own body temperature until 2-3 weeks of age.
5. Ears open at 2 weeks of age.
6. Shivering reflex begins at one week of age.
7. Respiration = 15 - 35 times/minute at birth.
8. Pulse = 220/minute for first 3 weeks of life.

Note: A "Crying Puppy" is either a COLD puppy or a HUNGRY puppy!