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Biochemical factors affecting newborn survival
No full textSmall animal neonates are vulnerable at birth and during the neonatal period. Three main conditions
can hamper newborn survival: prolonged hypoxia during the birth process, hypoglycemia and failure
of passive immune transfer.
Promptly addressing the need for neonatal assistance is necessary to reduce high perinatal mortality
rate. At birth, determining some blood gas factors, blood glucose concentration, serum cardiac
troponin I concentrations and assessing the Day 2 IgG concentrations can be useful for clinicians.
Although blood sampling is challenging in small animal neonates, use of very little blood volume on
portable biochemical analyzers makes this testing feasible. In newborns, the events associated to
delivery are responsible for a transient condition of hypoxia. However, if hypoxia progresses to
asphyxia, metabolic acidemia (a life-threatening condition) can develop and ischemic myocardial
damage occurs. Asphyxiated puppies were reported to show significantly differences in partial
pressure O2, sO2, peripheral sO2 and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in comparison to non-asphyxiated
newborns [1]. Blood lactate is also a useful prognostic marker to assess the degree of acidosis and
associated with death or neurological complications in puppies [2].
After birth and during the neonatal period, newborns can develop hypoglycemia, due to the hepatic
immaturity, sepsis, or poor nursing leading to starvation. Some studies have indeed reported blood
glucose thresholds associated with increased risk of neonatal death. Due to the nature of the canine
and feline endotheliochorial placenta, passive immune transfer by colostrum is necessary for newborn
immunity. Failure of immune transfer should be recognized as soon as possible for correct newborn
management. The threshold for detecting the failure of passive immune transfer in newborn dogs was
reported [3], while in kittens the exact threshold has not been yet determined. Although urine is easily
collected from neonates by micturition, urinalysis is generally useful. However, hematuria was
reported to be a negative prognostic factor. Another biological specimen useful for newborn
assessment is fetal fluids. A study focusing on the composition of fetal fluids at birth, reported higher
LDH, creatinine, UREA, GGT and, to a lesser extent, cholesterol and AST in fetal fluids of puppies
that died within the first day after birth in comparison to those surviving.
In conclusion, more extensive studies are needed to better elucidate the prognostic role of serum
biochemistry in small animal neonates as well as to develop other suitable prognostic markers to
improve neonatal survival
Biochemical factors affecting newborn survival in dogs and cats
No full textThe importance and implications of small animal neonatology were underestimated until recent times.
Despite the recent increasing interest for this branch of veterinary medicine, however, perinatal mortality
rates in canine and feline species remain high, representing an important challenge for the clinician.
In this perspective, the prompt identification of newborns requiring additional and tailored
assistance becomes a key to reduce the perinatal losses in small animals.
To achieve this goal, clinical and laboratory findings must be carefully evaluated. This paper focuses on
biochemical parameters and their reported influence on neonatal survival, guiding through the evaluation
of canine and feline newborn laboratory analyses, with a thorough discussion about the use of
different biological material in these subjects.
Beside blood, other biological material, such as urines and fetal fluids proved to be interesting for the
identification of possible prognostic markers, thanks also to their easy and safe collection. However, the
correct reading-through the results must consider many variables such as type of delivery, anesthesia
protocol in case of Caesarean section, age of the newborn at samples collection, and for blood analysis,
also the type of blood, site of collection, modality of collection and storage must be considered.
Notwithstanding the recent progress in literature
Feline neonatology: From birth to commencement of weaning – what to know for successful management
No full textPractical relevance: Despite considerable interest in the field of companion animal reproduction, feline neonatology remains largely unstudied. This contrasts with the need for a more professional veterinary approach to newborn kittens and feline husbandry, across the pet, breeding cattery and rescue shelter settings, to reduce kitten mortality. Global importance: Feline neonatology has relevance for veterinarians around the world as cats are continuing to become established as popular companion animals. Clinical challenges: Perinatal mortality in cats is remarkably high. Therefore, adequate neonatal evaluation and assistance at birth, careful monitoring of kittens in the vulnerable period until weaning begins, assessment of maternal factors and well-informed management of orphans are crucial in helping to reduce kitten losses. Aim: This review aims to deepen the basic knowledge of the veterinary clinical team regarding the characteristics of feline newborns under normal conditions at birth through to the commencement of weaning. Much of the information is also relevant to breeders and rescue/shelter caregivers. Evidence base: In compiling the present review, the authors have drawn on specific feline research data, where available, complemented by data extrapolated from scientific publications on newborn dogs, and also their own and their colleagues’ professional clinical experience
Gestione del neonato: quando sbagliare può essere fatale (Parte I)
No full textManagement of the newborn puppy: when making a mistake could be fatal - Part I
The correct management of the newborn puppies is the key to contrast the high percentages of perinatal mortality reported in literature.
In order to do that, an adequate knowledge of the perinatal physiology and management as well as of the most common causes of mortality in newborns of domestic carnivores is mandatory. The correct management must begin at the time of mating, until the time of weaning.
Because several factors could affect the neonatal surviving at birth and during the whole neonatal period, the knowledge about the main neonatal life threatening causes is pivotal for reducing the possible mistakes that could be fatal at newborn puppy leve
Neonatal severity indicators in dogs
Full text linkDespite the increasing interest for canine neonatology many aspects of canine neonatology are
still not completely studied and perinatal mortality rates are high.
The identification of newborn puppies at high risk at birth/hospitalization is the main goal in
advancing veterinary neonatology, as well as the improvement of newborn assessment protocols. The
identification of at risk puppies should rely on objective indicators of severity, allowing a differentiated
clinical assistance according to neonatal conditions and allowing canine perinatal mortality reduce.
This paper presents and discuss the neonatal severity indicators presently useful in the dog, as
demonstrated by the specific scientific literature. Among them, some can be used only at birth, others
only during the subsequent neonatal period and some useful at both times. Despite the availability of
some useful severity indicators, the development of severity score systems are considered necessary also
in dogs as in humans
Conservative treatment of flat thorax in two littermate kittens: A case report
No full textThree 18 days-old
kittens were referred because of severe dyspnea
and thorax flattening of one subject. At clinical examination, one
kitten was normal weighed and developed, whilst two littermates
showed dyspnea, thorax flattening, delayed weight gain and abnormal
posture for the age. After stabilization and x-ray,
kitten A was diagnosed
with a severe dorso-ventral
thorax flattening, whilst kitten
B had a moderate degree of the same defect, without pectus excavatum.
A conservative treatment for thorax correction was chosen.
As suggested [1], a C-shaped
paper roll splint was prepared for each
kitten, allowing a ventral space to avoid compression on the thorax,
which was applied using medical tape. Few minutes after splint positioning,
both kittens began to breathe normal and displayed interest
to suckle the mammary gland. Clinical check-ups
were scheduled
two times per week, for patient monitoring and splint remodelling,
adjusted to kittens growth. Fourteen days later, the thorax of kitten
B was completely returned to the normal shape and the one of
kitten A strongly improved. Both kittens did not display respiratory
distress anymore, and showed normal weight gain, good general development
and normal walking. Therefore, the splints were removed
and a close clinical monitoring was scheduled on a two-times
weekly
basis. Two weeks after splint removal, both kittens were healthy, and
showed normal behaviour of 45 days old kittens, including playing,
running, jumping, even though kitten A still displayed a slight deformation
of the thorax profile. In conclusion, conservative treatment
with splint application can be considered as a non-invasive
treatment
of kittens affected by thorax deformity.
Three 18 days-old
kittens were referred because of severe dyspnea
and thorax flattening of one subject. At clinical examination, one
kitten was normal weighed and developed, whilst two littermates
showed dyspnea, thorax flattening, delayed weight gain and abnormal
posture for the age. After stabilization and x-ray,
kitten A was diagnosed
with a severe dorso-ventral
thorax flattening, whilst kitten
B had a moderate degree of the same defect, without pectus excavatum.
A conservative treatment for thorax correction was chosen.
As suggested [1], a C-shaped
paper roll splint was prepared for each
kitten, allowing a ventral space to avoid compression on the thorax,
which was applied using medical tape. Few minutes after splint positioning,
both kittens began to breathe normal and displayed interest
to suckle the mammary gland. Clinical check-ups
were scheduled
two times per week, for patient monitoring and splint remodelling,
adjusted to kittens growth. Fourteen days later, the thorax of kitten
B was completely returned to the normal shape and the one of
kitten A strongly improved. Both kittens did not display respiratory
distress anymore, and showed normal weight gain, good general development
and normal walking. Therefore, the splints were removed
and a close clinical monitoring was scheduled on a two-times
weekly
basis. Two weeks after splint removal, both kittens were healthy, and
showed normal behaviour of 45 days old kittens, including playing,
running, jumping, even though kitten A still displayed a slight deformation
of the thorax profile. In conclusion, conservative treatment
with splint application can be considered as a non-invasive
treatment
of kittens affected by thorax deformity
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Apgar score or birthweight in Chihuahua dogs born by elective Caesarean section : which is the best predictor of the survival at 24 h after birth?
Get PDFIn the dog, the correct management of parturition and the prompt neonatal evaluation and assistance
can reduce the perinatal mortality rates that are particularly high in toy breeds. Newborn evaluation and factors
addressing prognosis are pivotal to guarantee the correct neonatal assistance. Assessment of the Apgar score with
viability classification and birthweight are recognized as predictors for neonatal survival in dogs, but breed-specific
data are needed for a more feasible application in the dog species, in which wide differences among breeds are
known. The present study aimed therefore to: (a) assess the role of Apgar score and birthweight as predictors for the survival of Chihuahua newborn puppies in the first 24 h of life; (b) to assess a cut-off of the Apgar score and birthweight values that can predict the survival of Chihuahua newborn puppies in the first 24 h after birth; (c) to assess the possible effect played by maternal parity, newborn gender and litter-size on Apgar score in Chihuahua newborn puppies, in order to provide breed-specific data for a better neonatal assistance..Data obtained from 176 normal developed Chihuahua puppies born by elective Caesarean section, showed that 62%, 28% and 10% of puppies were classified in the Apgar score classes 7–10, 4–6 and 0–3, respectively, with survival at 24 h after birth of 97%, 96%, 39%, in the three Apgar classes of viability, respectively. Apgar score was a better predictor for survival at 24 h after birth than birthweight (AUC 0.93, P < 0.0001; AUC 0.69, P < 0.01, respectively). Litter-size of 7 puppies/litter plays a negative effect on Apgar score. Apgar score is a better predictor of survival at 24 h than birthweight, and the best cut-off of Apgar score for survival at 24 h after birth is 4, with 96% sensitivity and 77%
specificity. The different proportion of “normal viable” and “less viable” neonates in comparison to other studies
highlights that Chihuahua puppies born by elective Caesarean section should be carefully evaluated at birth to provide correct assistance
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