Neonates

Question 1

For weaning, gruel should be introduced at __ weeks and weaning completed by __ weeks

Answer 1

3-4, 6-7

Question 2

The cardiovascular system is mature by __ weeks, liver by __ months and kidneys by __weeks

Answer 2

8, 4-5, 9-11

Question 3

Compared to adults the GI tracts of neonates has __ gastric emptying and motility with a __ gastric pH

Answer 3

Decreased, higher

Question 4

Thermoregulation is mature by __ weeks

Answer 4

> 4

Question 5

USG of a neonate is __ bc of the immature kidneys and should have __ urine protein: creatinine ratios with proteinuria and glucosuria for up to 3 wks

Answer 5

1.006 to 1.017
Increased

Question 6

When feeding a neonate what rectal temperature must they have?

Answer 6

> 97F rectal

Question 7

The max comfortable stomach capacity for a neonate is ___

Answer 7

4ml/100g

Question 8

How much and how often should you feed neonates?

Answer 8

2-3ml/100g/feeding

Feeding frequency:
0-2 weeks: q2h
2-4 weeks: q3-6h

Question 9

Neonates worst enemies - the 2 H’s

Answer 9

Hypothermia
Hypoglycemia
Hypovolemia

Question 10

What predisposes neonates to hypothermia?

Answer 10

1. no thermoregulation until 4-6 weeks of age
2. increased temperature loss (little fat, large SA)
3. Low blood flow to extremities

Question 11

consequences of hypothermia for neonates

Answer 11

Decreased activity -> decreased metabolism

Bradycardia -> hypoxia

Paralytic ileus, bloat, regurgitation, aspiration pneumonia

Decreased nursing reflex, anorexia

Hypoglycemia

Question 12

How should you treat a neonate with hypothermia?

Answer 12

WARM then SLOWLY 1C/hour until normal with an incubator, heating pad, 55-60% humidity. Then you can feed them warm milk when T>97F, fluid therapy (2c warmer) and temperature control

Question 13

Causes of hypoglycemia in neonates

Answer 13

Immature glucose regulatory function <10 days (toy breeds 4 months)

Question 14

Consequences of hypoglycemia

Answer 14

blood glucose < 39mg/dl
Bradycardia -> hypoxia
Hypothermia
Decreased suckling reflex, anorexia

Question 15

Hypoglycemia treatment

Answer 15

50% dextrose/glucose on gums if good circulation and not too weak

0.5-1g/kg dextrose/glucose bolus over 10-15 minutes

May need to continue with glucose/dextrose isotonic fluid CRI to maintain normoglycemia, glucose control q4 hours

Feed every 2 hours!

Question 16

Hypovolemia causes in neonates

Answer 16

compensatory mechanisms to circulatory changes/fluid homeostasis are not mature < 8 weeks

Question 17

Hypovolemia/dehydration treatment for neonates

Answer 17

Isotonic fluids : Shock bolus or Maintenance
Colloids
Feeding: tube or bottle
Monitoring: BW, urine output and color, mucus membranes

Question 18

When puppies die its usually when? Why?

Answer 18

during the first week they are the most fragile during this time husbandry and constant care is very important

Question 19

Neonates have a higher rate of survival if IgG is above __

Answer 19

2.3g/L

Question 20

Fading puppies/kittens

Answer 20

infectious, congenital, environmental causes that is often due to sepsis

Typically not gaining weight, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, v/d, sudden death