Canine Neonatal Period Overview

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the dependency of cardiac output in canine neonates on heart rate?

The cardiovascular system operates under low pressure. (correct)

The puppies have an incomplete sympathetic innervation of the heart.

Neonates experience vagally mediated bradycardia.

The cardiovascular system is a low-volume circuit.

What is the threshold heart rate indicating bradycardia in canine neonates?

75 beats per minute

60 beats per minute

45 beats per minute (correct)

40 beats per minute

How long can circulation continue in some canine neonates after anoxic death?

1 hour

30 minutes (correct)

5 minutes

15 minutes

What makes neonatal airway obstruction more likely in canine neonates?

Larger tongue size Signup and view all the answers

What physiological characteristic contributes to respiratory fatigue in the neonatal canine?

Weak intercostal muscles Signup and view all the answers

What causes susceptibility to hypoxemia in the neonatal canine?

Immature carotid chemoreceptors Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical systolic blood pressure value that must be maintained for successful resuscitation after a hypoxic event in canine neonates?

8 mm Hg Signup and view all the answers

Sepsis is identified as a significant cause of loss in which period of a canine's life?

Early neonatal period Signup and view all the answers

What is a common range for the length of the canine neonatal period found in veterinary literature?

Birth to 3–4 days Signup and view all the answers

What was the recently clarified definition of the canine neonatal period by several authors?

Birth to weaning Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary causes of canine neonatal death discussed?

Hypoxia and sepsis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refers to a state of oxygen deficiency?

Hypoxemia Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of neonatal health does the variation in defining the neonatal period impact?

Mortality rates Signup and view all the answers

The term 'late neonate' typically refers to which age range?

2-21 days of life Signup and view all the answers

According to the revised definitions, what is the start of the pediatric stage in canines?

At weaning Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to hypoxemia in canines as defined in the literature?

Ventilation-perfusion mismatch Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered for administration until clinical improvement is noted in canine neonates?

Standard peripheral venous access Signup and view all the answers

When are neonatal losses most likely to occur due to canine herpesvirus infection?

When the bitch is infected for the first time during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies can help minimize the risk of canine herpesvirus infection in neonates?

Pre-breeding screening of seronegative females Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended rate for administering a fluid bolus for hypovolemia in canine neonates?

3-4 mL/100 gm body weight Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated for anemia correction in canine neonates?

10-20 mL/kg of whole blood Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant contributor to neonatal mortality in canines?

Dystocia Signup and view all the answers

Which value indicates fetal distress during parturition?

Sustained fetal heart rate less than 180 beats per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of pre-breeding genetic testing in canines?

To reduce the incidence of inherited diseases Signup and view all the answers

What vital sign should be prioritized during resuscitation of a neonate?

Open airway maintenance Signup and view all the answers

At what gestational age is lung surfactant production considered insufficient to support life in canines?

Less than 62 days from the LH surge Signup and view all the answers

Which database is recognized as the best guide for canine health screening recommendations?

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) Signup and view all the answers

What immediate post-birth procedure is important to prevent sepsis in neonates?

Trimming and ligating the umbilical cord Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the evaluation of canines intended for reproductive use?

Patient history, preventative care, and temperament Signup and view all the answers

At what stage of pregnancy might a veterinarian start medical management of a litter?

At 3 to 4 weeks of gestation Signup and view all the answers

What are common health risks for early neonates (0-2 days old)?

Hypoxemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of post-birth care can improve neonatal health outcomes?

Educating owners on at-risk neonates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a component of the screening process for canines before breeding?

Genetic testing for all known diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable change in spO2 values from birth to one hour after spontaneous vaginal birth?

They increase and plateau at 1 hour Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)?

To maintain a health database and provide screening recommendations Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to screen canines for abnormalities before breeding?

To protect neonatal health and well-being Signup and view all the answers

Which area is emphasized for further discussion regarding the impact on canines?

Body condition score and fertility Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining the Canine Neonatal Period

The definition of the canine neonatal period can vary from a minimum of 3-4 days to a maximum of 84 days.
Some sources may refer to it as the time from birth to weaning.
The lack of consensus regarding the duration of the neonatal period can affect the accuracy of mortality rate calculations.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) defines the neonatal stage as birth to weaning, which occurs around 3 to 4 weeks of age, while the pediatric stage extends from weaning to sexual maturity.
This article utilizes the AAHA definition of the neonatal period, which is from birth to weaning.

Factors Impacting Canine Neonatal Health

Hypoxia and sepsis are the leading causes of canine neonatal death.
Hypoxemia, a state of oxygen deficiency, can arise from various factors, including decreased oxygen intake, hypoventilation, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, or a diffusion barrier.
Canine genetic disease screening has increased in availability due to the expansion of the PCR market and mapping of the canine genome.
Pre-breeding genetic testing helps reduce the incidence or eliminate specific conditions within purebred populations.
The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) provides comprehensive screening recommendations for purebred dogs based on breed.

Pre-Breeding Screening

All canines intended for reproductive use should undergo a thorough evaluation before breeding to identify potential risks impacting neonatal health.
The evaluation should include patient history, preventative care measures, physical examination, and temperament assessment.
The CHIC website (https://ofa.org) offers detailed breed-specific screening recommendations.

Pregnancy

Medical management of a litter may begin as early as 3 to 4 weeks gestation.
Around parturition, several factors can increase the risk of circulatory failure in neonates.
These factors include:
- High-volume, low-pressure cardiovascular system dependent on heart rate.
- Bradycardia in neonates isn't vagally mediated, and sympathetic innervation of the heart is incomplete.
- Anoxia leads to significant bradycardia (less than 45 beats per minute) and hypotension (less than 25 mm Hg).
Despite these risks, neonates can maintain circulation and be resuscitated after a hypoxemic or anoxic event if systolic blood pressure remains above 8 mm Hg.
The neonatal respiratory system has several features that make them more susceptible to airway collapse, respiration fatigue, hypoxemia, and rapid oxygen desaturation.

Parturition

Lung surfactant production is inadequate to support life before 62 days from the LH surge.
Dystocia is a major contributor to neonatal mortality, with asphyxia and hypoxemia linked to 60% of neonatal deaths.
Tocodynamic and fetal heart rate monitoring, as well as observation for “red flags” during parturition, can improve neonatal health outcomes.
Sustained fetal heart rates below 180 beats per minute indicate fetal distress.
At birth, newborn canines have a lower spO2 than adult dogs, but these values rise after birth and stabilize at 1 hour and 12 hours following spontaneous vaginal birth and cesarean birth, respectively.
Resuscitation efforts should focus on keeping airways open, delivering oxygen, and maintaining warmth.
Umbilical cords should be trimmed, ligated, and treated with 2% tincture of iodine to prevent sepsis.

The Neonate

Neonates are distinct from adult dogs and require careful monitoring for age-appropriate normal values.
The early neonate (0–2 days) is particularly vulnerable to hypoxemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and dehydration.
Owner education is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Sick neonates should be separated from the dam if possible.
While virtual visits have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, they may not be feasible for establishing a valid client-patient relationship in all areas.

Herpesvirus

Canine Herpesvirus (CHV-1) can affect various organ systems.
Neonatal losses occur when a naïve bitch is infected during pregnancy or when neonates are infected during the first weeks of life.
Strategies to minimize risk include:
- Pre-breeding screening to identify seronegative females and isolate them during pregnancy and for at least 6 weeks postpartum.
- Vaccination of the bitch before breeding and again six weeks later if a canine CHV-1 vaccine is available.

Fluid Therapy

The choice of fluid bolus rates depends on the neonate's body weight and physiological status.
Peripheral venous access is possible for some patients, but jugular or intra-osseous routes might be necessary for others.

Biosecurity

Implementing appropriate biosecurity measures is crucial for safeguarding canine health.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the defining features of the canine neonatal period, including its duration, impacts on health, and definitions from different authoritative sources. Understand the factors influencing neonatal health and mortality in puppies, emphasizing critical conditions like hypoxia and sepsis.