VN March 2023

Vetnews | March 2023 41 Feeding for pregnancy and lactation Energy needs of the pregnant bitch increase by 20-40% from the 6th week of gestation onwards 37 . At the same time, food intake capacity decreases due to the increased volume of the gravid uterus occupying space in the abdomen. Therefore, regular meals of highly palatable foods with a high energy level are required. Energy needs during lactation increase dramatically and may be as vast as 150% depending on milk production capacity and litter size. 37 . In breeds and individuals where cleft palates are a concern, the supplementation of folic acid during the first two trimesters of pregnancy may aid in reducing the prevalence of affected puppies. Milk fever (eclampsia) The underlying cause of eclampsia is inadequate free calcium ion concentrations in the blood. Bitches with a poor ability to mobilize calcium from bone and large lactational demands rapidly are at increased risk. Genetic factors are thought to play a role in susceptibility, and small breeds appear overrepresented. Oral calcium supplementation during pregnancy is contraindicated; however, calcium supplementation during peak milk production might aid in the prevention of milk fever, especially in those bitches which developed milk fever during previous lactations. Calcium supplementation may also help prevent the recurrence of milk fever during the same lactation. Puppies which are 20 days or older can start eating themselves, and it’s recommended to wean them early. If the puppies are younger than 20 days, the breeder can opt to hand-rear them using milk replacers. If hand rearing is employed, the puppies must be isolated from the bitch as an awareness of their presence can continue the stimulation of milk production and a recurrence of the condition. If puppies cannot be removed because hand rearing is impossible, a preventative protocol must be established to minimize the possibility of recurrence. In these cases, the bitch will require daily subcutaneous injections of calcium until the puppies are able to eat by themselves. Breeders must understand that a bitch which developed milk fever during lactation might do so again when she next lactates, even if oral calcium supplementation is given. 7 Treatment of obesity Restricting dietary intake and attempting to increase energy expenditure through moderate exercise is the cornerstone in weight management. Exercise not only helps with fat loss but assists in lean muscle mass preservation and may help prevent the rapid regain in weight that can occur after successful weight loss. Purpose-formulated commercial weight reduction diets are best suited for this purpose. These may be supplemented if the diet does not already contain additional dietary L-carnitine and conjugated linoleic acid. It is useful to use high-fibre diets to provide satiety. 8 Conclusion Obesity is a growing concern in companion animals. There is a dire need to increase awareness within the veterinary profession that obesity in companion animals is a serious medical concern. It is incumbent on the veterinary profession that they educate both breeders and owners in this regard. *References available on request