Pet Knowledge

Generally, a dog will have one placenta for each puppy they deliver, so as a pet owner, it’s crucial to observe your dog closely during and after whelping. If your dog fails to expel all of the placentas, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for prompt treatment, often involving an oxytocin injection. Initially, during the birthing process, each puppy is typically followed by its corresponding placenta. Observing your dog throughout the entire process is key. If a placenta is retained, you might observe continued straining behaviors and vaginal discharge. A definitive way to determine this is by taking your dog to the vet for an abdominal ultrasound to confirm the presence of any retained placentas or puppies within the uterus. If a retained placenta is detected, the vet will typically administer oxytocin to encourage its expulsion. If the retained placental fragment is small, an injection of oxytocin may be sufficient to help the dog pass it. Simultaneously, an antibiotic...

A nursing mother cat meowing frequently could be her way of seeking attention from her owner or communicating with her kittens. Postpartum, mother cats are susceptible to issues like hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency), postpartum weakness, and mastitis (mammary gland infection). Owners should be particularly attentive to their care during this time. If your nursing cat is meowing softly, it might be her way of getting your attention or communicating with her kittens. Typically, this excessive meowing subsides after the nursing period. However, if the meowing is sharp and urgent, it's crucial to take her to a veterinarian for a check-up and treatment. During lactation, it's vital to ensure the mother cat receives balanced nutrition. Owners can supplement her diet with milk powder and lecithin-based nutrient pastes to provide extra nutrition and aid milk production. A balanced diet is key for a nursing cat's well-being. Common Postpartum Problems in Cats Postpartum mother cats...

It's concerning when a mother cat develops a large, hard lump in her lower abdomen after nursing. This could be due to several reasons, most commonly an oversupply of milk (engorgement) or the development of a mammary mass. If it's due to engorgement, it often resolves on its own. However, if the lump is a mammary mass, prompt veterinary attention is crucial. During lactation, a hard lump in a cat's abdomen could signify milk engorgement. In such cases, consider extending the weaning period for the kittens or use a breast pump to extract excess milk. Sometimes, kittens might suckle too vigorously, causing trauma and leading to a mammary lump. You can try warm compresses to see if the lump subsides. If not, a vet visit is necessary. Additionally, acute mastitis, a common issue during lactation, could be the cause and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. Will Milk Engorgement Resolve on Its Own? If a mother cat has an excess of milk after her kittens are weaned,...

If your dog has delivered three puppies and there's a seven-hour gap without further births, it could indicate either that she has finished giving birth or that she is experiencing dystocia (difficult labor). It's crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention for your dog to determine the cause. A seven-hour interval between puppy births is considered dystocia. However, if your dog has delivered three puppies and seems to have stopped, she might indeed be finished. Several factors can contribute to dystocia in dogs. These include oversized puppies, abnormal fetal positioning, or weak uterine contractions. If your dog's water has broken, and she is straining for one to two hours without a puppy being delivered, then it's highly likely that she is experiencing dystocia. Secondly, prolonged labor without the delivery of puppies can also lead to exhaustion, making it difficult for the dog to give birth naturally. In such cases, prompt veterinary intervention is necessary. ...