What is Eclampsia in Dogs?
Eclampsia, also known as milk fever or puerperal tetany, is a life-threatening condition that occurs in dogs after giving birth, usually within 3 weeks of delivery (Petmd, 2023). It is caused by a sudden drop in blood calcium levels, which leads to muscle contractions and nervous system abnormalities.
The most common symptoms of eclampsia in dogs include (The Spruce Pets, 2023):
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Stiff, uncoordinated gait
- Muscle tremors or twitching
- Collapsing
- Seizures
Eclampsia is caused by heavy calcium demands during pregnancy and nursing, which deplete the body’s calcium stores faster than they can be replaced through diet. Toy breeds and smaller dogs under 5 years old are most at risk, as well as dogs having large litters or not receiving adequate nutrition (Wagwalking, 2022). Without prompt treatment, eclampsia can lead to respiratory failure, coma, and death of the mother dog and puppies.
Dangers of Eclampsia
Eclampsia is an extremely dangerous condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Some of the most serious dangers and risks of eclampsia in dogs include:
Seizures – One of the most common signs of eclampsia is seizures or muscle spasms. These occur because low calcium levels cause abnormal nerve function and uncontrolled muscle contractions. Seizures may start in the face, legs or throat and progress to generalized convulsions or twitching if calcium is not replenished quickly (https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/reproductive/eclampsia-dogs).
Coma – As calcium levels drop further, dogs may collapse, lose consciousness and go into a coma. This is an emergency situation, as coma indicates the body is unable to function properly. Without swift treatment, coma can lead to death (https://www.thesprucepets.com/eclampsia-in-dogs-4777433).
Death if Untreated – Eclampsia can rapidly become fatal if calcium levels are not restored. Within hours of the onset of symptoms, dangerously low calcium can result in seizures, cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. Seeking immediate veterinary treatment is critical to prevent mortality (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/eclampsia-in-dogs).
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for eclampsia in dogs:
Calcium Supplements:
The primary treatment is to restore calcium levels quickly, which is done by giving calcium supplements such as calcium gluconate intravenously, under the skin or in the muscle. Calcium levels should be monitored and treatment continued until levels stabilize (Petcarerx, 2023).
Oral calcium supplements like calcium lactate or calcium gluconate can also be given, but may not raise calcium levels as rapidly as injectable calcium (PetMD, n.d.).
Magnesium Supplements:
Magnesium supplementation may be used along with calcium, as low magnesium levels can sometimes contribute to eclampsia (Petcarerx, 2023).
IV Fluids:
IV fluids help restore electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration. Fluids containing calcium like lactated Ringer’s solution may be used (DogNews, 2021).
Medications:
Other medications may be given to control vomiting, increase kidney function, or manage heart rate and blood pressure abnormalities (Petcarerx, 2023).
Are Tums Safe for Dogs?
Tums contain three active ingredients that help neutralize stomach acid: calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminum hydroxide. The levels of these antacids in Tums can be concerning for dogs if consumed in large quantities.
The recommended dosage for dogs is 1 Tums tablet per 15 lbs of body weight, 2-3 times per day (cite). Exceeding this dosage, especially over extended periods of time, can lead to hypercalcemia and constipation in dogs. Prolonged antacid use can also disrupt the natural stomach environment and absorption of nutrients (cite).
Minor side effects of too many Tums include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. More severe effects like muscle tremors and lethargy can arise if calcium levels become severely elevated (cite). It’s important to only give a dog the recommended Tums dosage and monitor for any adverse reactions.
While Tums can provide short-term relief for symptoms like upset stomach, they are not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment of underlying gastrointestinal issues. Check with your veterinarian before giving a dog any medication, especially long-term.
Using Tums to Treat Eclampsia
Tums or calcium carbonate supplements can potentially help treat mild cases of eclampsia in dogs when given under veterinary supervision. The calcium in Tums may help raise blood calcium levels that drop during eclampsia episodes (1). However, Tums alone cannot cure eclampsia and should only be given as an emergency supplement before getting veterinary treatment.
Some potential benefits of using Tums for canine eclampsia include (2):
- Provides fast-acting calcium to help stabilize blood calcium levels
- May help relax muscles and reduce muscle spasms and tremors
- Relatively easy to administer at home in pill or liquid form
- Low cost and readily available over-the-counter
However, there are also risks and precautions to keep in mind when giving Tums to dogs (3):
- Too much calcium can lead to hypercalcemia which can cause its own problems
- Does not address the underlying cause of eclampsia
- Other medications or treatments may be needed alongside calcium supplements
- Dosage needs to be carefully calculated based on dog’s weight and health status
- Can interact with some medications so veterinary supervision is essential
While Tums may help stabilize a dog during an eclampsia episode, veterinary oversight is strongly recommended. Diagnostic testing and intravenous calcium are usually needed to fully treat eclampsia along with appropriate nursing of puppies. Tums can provide some initial aid but should not replace professional veterinary care.
Dosage Guidelines
The typical dosage of Tums for treating eclampsia in dogs is 25-50 mg/kg/day of elemental calcium. This can be achieved by giving approximately 1-2 standard strength (500 mg calcium carbonate per tablet) Tums tablets per 10 pounds of body weight per day (source: https://www.iowaveterinaryspecialties.com/student-scholars/eclampsia).
Tums should be administered in divided doses 2-3 times per day with food to increase absorption and minimize GI upset. For example, a 50 pound dog could be given 2 Tums tablets 2-3 times daily (source: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders-of-calcium-metabolism/eclampsia-in-small-animals).
The typical duration of Tums treatment for eclampsia is 1-2 weeks. Calcium levels should be monitored and the dosage adjusted as needed. Most dogs can be gradually weaned off Tums after this time period as long as dietary changes are made to prevent future episodes (source: https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/case-eclampsia-financial-constraints).
Monitoring Progress
It’s important to closely monitor your dog’s progress during and after eclampsia treatment. Some key things to monitor include:
Tracking symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your dog’s symptoms like tremors, restlessness, stiff gait, weakness, lack of coordination, and seizures. Note any improvements or worsening of symptoms. Contact your vet if symptoms persist or get worse. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, most dogs show marked improvement within 12-24 hours if treated promptly.
Blood calcium levels: Your vet will monitor your dog’s blood calcium levels, especially in the first 48 hours. They may recommend periodic blood tests to ensure calcium is being restored to normal levels. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, blood calcium should stabilize in the normal range within 12-24 hours with proper treatment.
Following up with your vet: Schedule any recommended follow-up vet appointments to monitor your dog’s progress. Your vet may want to examine your dog within a few days to ensure treatment is working and symptoms are resolving.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some adjustments to your dog’s lifestyle can help manage eclampsia and reduce the chances of future episodes. Here are some tips:
Dietary Adjustments
Feed your dog a high-quality diet formulated for pregnant and nursing mothers that is rich in calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals. This helps prevent deficiencies that can lead to eclampsia (VCA). Consult your veterinarian on the best diet and supplements for your dog.
Limiting Strenuous Activity
Avoid intensive exercise and activities that cause exertion or stress. Take shorter, gentler walks and limit playtime during pregnancy and nursing. This helps conserve calcium and prevents blood calcium levels from dropping too low (WagWalking).
Reducing Stress
Create a quiet space for your dog to rest and nurse her puppies. Limit external stressors and changes to her routine. Anxiety and stress can influence calcium metabolism and increase the risk of eclampsia episodes (PetMD).
Preventing Future Episodes
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent future episodes of eclampsia in their dogs:
Supplementing a pregnant dog with calcium and other minerals can help prevent eclampsia. According to https://www.wikihow.pet/Prevent-Eclampsia-in-Dogs, supplements containing calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D should be given during pregnancy and lactation. Always consult your veterinarian before giving supplements.
Regular wellness exams during pregnancy allow the vet to monitor calcium and mineral levels. Your vet may recommend supplements or dietary changes if levels are low. Wellness exams also allow early detection of potential issues.
Careful breeding practices can reduce the risk of eclampsia. According to https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-prevent-eclampsia-in-dogs, larger breed dogs and those carrying large litters are at higher risk. Responsible breeding aims to produce healthy puppies and lower risks to the mother dog.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While mild eclampsia cases can sometimes be treated at home with dietary changes, calcium supplements, and medications, more severe cases require emergency veterinary intervention. There are several life-threatening symptoms that warrant an immediate trip to the emergency vet clinic. These include:
Uncontrolled seizures – Seizures that last longer than a few minutes or occur repetitively without the dog fully regaining consciousness in between are a medical emergency. Prolonged seizures can lead to brain damage and death if left untreated.
Extreme lethargy – If the dog is so weak that they cannot stand or keep their head up, emergency care is needed. This level of lethargy indicates severely low blood calcium.
Collapsing – If the dog’s legs give out from under them or they collapse while standing or walking, this is a sign they need urgent medical treatment. Collapsing is a pre-seizure warning sign.
Other emergency red flags include twitching, tremors that won’t stop, disorientation, irregular heart rate, and labor contractions stopping. If any of these signs occur, don’t wait – get veterinary help immediately. The longer eclampsia goes untreated, the higher the risk of permanent injury or death. Calling ahead will allow the vet clinic to prepare medications and IV calcium in advance.
