Agalactia (Lack of Milk)
Agalactia is the lack of milk after parturition (birth). There are two causes for agalactia.
The first case is due to the failure of mammary gland development before whelping. Environmental factors and hormone deficiencies often contribute to this problem. Significant mammary gland development begins during late pregnancy as a result of certain hormonal changes. If these changes are interrupted, especially as a result of surgery, mammary gland development may be lacking. This is particularly evident in animals that have undergone cesarean section. In most cases, 24-48 hours after surgery, mammary gland enlargement is evident.
Failure of milk letdown is a more common problem. The mammary glands are usually firm and swollen but milk is absent in the teat canal. This condition is often seen in first-time mothers and is the result of pain and fright. Once the mother settles down and becomes relaxed, milk generally begins to flow.
Prior to whelping, animals should be placed in a clean and calm environment. Excessive excitement and stimulation, prior to whelping, should be avoided.
During the last 2-3 weeks of gestation, food intake should gradually be increased. At parturition, the mother should be consuming about twice her normal ration. The height of lactation (milk production) is reached 3-4 weeks after birthing. At this time, mothers should be eating about 3 times their normal food intake. (This is a rough estimate for a litter of six puppies).
Newborn animals must be bottle-fed if milk is not present in the mammary glands.
There is medical treatment for agalactia. Call your veterinary hospital for more information.
The information on this page was obtained from the site www.vetnetwork.com