The empirical dose for kittens is 15 ml of serum, given subcutaneously as 5 ml boluses at birth and 12 and 24 hours later. Pooled serum from vaccinated adult animals should be used. In a study of 43 kittens, comparing subcutaneous administration of antibody-rich serum to suckling, it was demonstrated that both techniques significantly increased protective antibody concentrations in kittens, compared to a control group that received no antibodies. If a puppy or kitten has not ingested colostrum, antibodies can be provided by subcutaneous administration of serum from the dam or another immunocompetent animal in the household. Concentrations remain high for only for 1-2 days in puppies and kittens that have ingested colostrum. Serum IgG concentrations are low at birth, increase rapidly to a peak 18 hours after ingestion of colostrum, and then decline to a nadir at 3-4 weeks of age.If the owner is unsure whether a puppy has ingested colostrum, blood can be drawn from the puppy of interest and a littermate that is known to have nursed, and serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) and gamma-glutyl transpeptidase (GGT) concentrations compared between the two. Maximal absorption of antibodies through the intestine occurs at 4-8 hours after birth, and decreases significantly by one day of life. Neonates should be encouraged to begin nursing within 2-3 hours of birth. More than 90% of maternal antibodies are passed to the neonate via the colostrum. Ascertain, if possible, whether the puppy or kitten has ingested colostrum. Historical facts that should be collected include duration of illness and clinical signs, number in the litter affected, any treatments given by the owner, and health and reproductive history of the dam. Conversely, lack of experience in care of pediatric patients prohibits many veterinarians from encouraging breeders to present puppies and kittens. Financial constraints or lack of a functional relationship between the owner and pediatric patient may preclude the owners contacting veterinarians for assistance. Puppies and kittens are often neglected when they become ill. EXAMINATION OF THE SMALL ANIMAL PEDIATRIC PATIENT
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |