Neonatology: Topics on Puppies and Kittens Neonatal Management to Improve Neonatal Outcome

Simple Summary Breeders still see high rates of neonatal mortality in their kennels and catteries globally, which makes the perinatal period a challenge for veterinarians and breeders. This review describes a wide variety of factors that can potentially affect the health of a litter during pregnancy, birth, and the first few weeks of life, which requires both the veterinarian and the breeder to have knowledge of maternal and neonatal care. Knowledge in neonatology is essential for correct management and preventive measures in breeding, impacting well-being and greater neonatal survival. The productivity of kennels and catteries is directly linked to maternal prolificacy and neonatal survival. During the neonatal period, mortality is high, not only due to environmental factors after birth but also with regard to gestational fetal life, complications during delivery, and management errors. Neonatology is an area of veterinary medicine where having a strong knowledge base of applied physiology and common clinical presentations for newborns can often favor better outcomes and greater neonatal survival. The teaching of animal theriogenology topics, particularly neonatal medicine, in the veterinary curriculum has evolved significantly in recent years. It is essential that the veterinarian understands the maternal and neonatal particularities and the main aspects involved in the handling of puppies and kittens for the instruction of the correct handling to the breeders and better medical conduct. The breeder of dogs and cats, experienced or not, must count on the help of a veterinarian in their breeding. Proper management, constant monitoring of the litter, and prompt assistance are the keys to successful breeding.

Automated summary

This review discusses the factors affecting the health of puppies and kittens during pregnancy, birth, and the first few weeks of life. It emphasizes the importance of both veterinarians and breeders having knowledge of maternal and neonatal care. Knowledge in neonatology is crucial for effective breeding management and higher neonatal survival rates.