Successful medical management of eclampsia in a canine 9 weeks postpartum

Abstract A 2‐year‐old, entire, female Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees mix presented with acute lethargy, ptyalism and hyperthermia approximately 9 weeks postpartum. It had whelped 11 puppies, and clinical signs began suddenly at weaning with lethargy and excessive salivation. Initially evaluated by its primary care veterinarian, it was found to be hypocalcaemic, and was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for further care. On presentation, it was laterally recumbent, hyperthermic, tachycardic and exhibited periocular twitching and tongue spasms. Bloodwork confirmed marked hypocalcaemia (ionised, 0.74 mmol/L; reference interval: 1.12–1.40 mmol/L) and elevated parathyroid hormone (13.9 pmol/L; reference interval: 1.10–10.60 pmol/L), with an otherwise unremarkable systemic workup, including thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and full bloodwork. Treatment included fluid resuscitation and intravenous calcium gluconate, leading to improved mentation and temperature normalisation. After calcium supplementation, serum calcium concentrations normalised, and parathyroid hormone concentrations decreased within 12 hours, confirming a diagnosis of hypocalcaemic eclampsia.