Evidence cluster — pregnant & lactating bitch (dam) nutrition (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC + PubMed)

Representative peer-reviewed studies (verbatim abstracts)

The following studies were retrieved from Europe PMC / PubMed and are reproduced verbatim. Interpretive synthesis is left to the API user.

PMID:41852679 — Accelerated early weight gain of neonatal puppies from overweight bitches compared to lean dams in spite of similar milk macronutrient composition.

Source: Front Nutr 2026
Front Nutr. 2026 Mar 3;13:1747221. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1747221. eCollection

2026.

Accelerated early weight gain of neonatal puppies from overweight bitches compared to lean dams in spite of similar milk macronutrient composition.

McCarter SJ(1), Werre SR(2), Power ML(3), Balogh O(4).

Author information: (1)Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States. (2)Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States. (3)Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, United States. (4)Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States.

INTRODUCTION: Lactation is the final pathway for the maternal metabolism to influence the neonate. Studies in women and animals have shown maternal body condition affecting milk composition and/or offspring growth and adiposity. The effect of the body condition of the dam on neonatal puppy growth rate has never been examined, despite a growing population of overweight breeding dogs. This study aimed to compare the milk macronutrient composition and puppy growth rate during the neonatal period between overweight and lean bitches. METHODS: A total of 16 litters from 15 medium- to large-breed client-owned dogs were enrolled after whelping. Dams were classified into lean (LE, body condition score [BCS]: 4-5/9, n = 8) and overweight (OW, BCS: 6-7/9, n = 8) groups. Milk was collected from bitches at 5 timepoints (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of lactation). Growth curves of a total of 106 puppies born alive to LE (n = 58) and OW (n = 48) mothers and exclusively nursing on the dam were analyzed until 21 days of age. Birth weight, daily body weights, average daily weight gain (ADGg), average daily percent gain (ADG%), average daily percent gain from birth (ADGB%), and total percent gain from birth (TGB%), as well as milk dry matter, crude protein, sugar, fat, ash, and calculated gross energy, were analyzed using a mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA); the significance level was set at a p-value of <0.05. RESULTS: Puppy birth weights were unaffected by litter size and the dam BCS. Puppy growth curves and TGB% were significantly different between the two maternal groups. ADGg, ADG%, and ADGB% were significantly higher in OW dam puppies on day 2 and day 4 after birth. Puppies born heavier remained heavier, while ADG% and ADGB% were inversely related to birth weight. Litter size had no effect on these growth parameters. Swimmer puppy syndrome was observed in eight puppies from three OW dam litters. Dam BCS had no significant effect on milk macronutrients in the first 4 weeks of lactation. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, despite the similar day-to-day neonatal body weights between the maternal groups, puppies from OW dams grew differently, gaining more weight in the first week of life. Factors other than milk macronutrient composition are likely responsible for these differences.

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1747221 PMCID: PMC12994540 PMID: 41852679

Conflict of interest statement: The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author OB declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Front Nutr 2026

Front Nutr. 2026 Mar 3;13:1747221. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1747221. eCollection

2026.

Accelerated early weight gain of neonatal puppies from overweight bitches compared t

PMID:42311397 — Case Report: Infertility in bitches at a German Shepherd breeding center and nutritional management.

Source: Front Vet Sci 2026
Front Vet Sci. 2026 Jun 2;13:1801445. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1801445.

eCollection 2026.

Case Report: Infertility in bitches at a German Shepherd breeding center and nutritional management.

Penazzi L(1), Pisu MC(2), Agrillo M(3), Prola L(1).

Author information: (1)Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy. (2)Centro di Referenza Veterinario (VRC), Turin, Italy. (3)Pet Food Project, Rome, Italy.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate nutrition of the dams, even if recognized as a possible cause of infertility, it is usually underestimated during the common diagnostical procedures (i.e., clinical examination, vaginal cytology, ultrasound, blood and urine analysis). Although the diet may meet adult maintenance requirements, several nutrients can be suboptimal during the pre-gestation period and may influence reproductive performance. This case report describes the use of an oral supplement to increase fertility in a German Sheperd breeding center experiencing prolonged secondary anoestrus. CASE PRESENTATION: Fifteen German Shepherd bitches with secondary anoestrus (>12 months) underwent standard reproductive workup (vaginal cytology, hormone assays, ultrasound, and semen testing of sires). Abdominal ultrasound of the bitches did not present any signs of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH). Similarly, metabolic disorders (hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease) were ruled out. It was hypothesized that the kennel diet might have provided suboptimal bioavailability of nutrients; as such the nutritional plan was reviewed, and a multi-component "fertility mix" (liquid and powder phases dosed daily at 0.8 g/kg0.75 and 0.4 g/kg0.75, respectively) was added to the usual complete maintenance ration. RESULTS: Within 6 months of supplementation, 12/15 bitches resumed cyclicity and were confirmed pregnant or gave birth; whereas three underweight bitches with chronic enteropathies did not resume cyclicity. CONCLUSION AND LIMITATIONS: The diagnostic approach to infertility is complex and involves both male and female factors, while dietary adequacy is often overlooked. Nutrients such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid, folic acid, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc may influence ovarian steroidogenesis and antioxidant systems, and maintenance diets may not always be optimal for bitches intended for reproduction. These observations are hypothesis-generating; baseline and follow-up nutrient biomarkers were not obtained and no untreated control group was available, precluding causal inference.

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1801445 PMCID: PMC13269329 PMID: 42311397

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Front Vet Sci 2026

Front Vet Sci. 2026 Jun 2;13:1801445. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1801445.

eCollection 2026.

Case Report: Infertility in bitches at a German Shepherd breeding center and

PMID:42309750 — When physiology fails: Endocrine and clinical perspectives on complicated pregnancy and parturition outcomes in dogs.

Source: J Reprod Dev 2026
J Reprod Dev. 2026;72(3):390-397. doi: 10.1262/jrd.2025-133.

When physiology fails: Endocrine and clinical perspectives on complicated pregnancy and parturition outcomes in dogs.

Balogh O(1).

Author information: (1)Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.

In this review, metabolic, endocrine and molecular dysregulation of canine pregnancy and parturition complications are discussed in a clinical context. The focus on metabolic and hormonal abnormalities of pregnancy includes gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy toxemia, hypocalcemia, luteal insufficiency and hypothyroidism, all with potential negative maternal and fetal outcomes. Gestational pseudo-Addisonian crisis, a rather infrequent but severe complication of canine pregnancy with yet unexplained pathophysiology is also presented. While most of these pregnancy complications have long been known, potential gaps in our understanding of their pathophysiology are shown. Complications during parturition affect 5-37% of all canine whelpings, posing a significant risk to the newborns and the mother. This review discusses recent advances about the pathophysiology of primary uterine inertia (PUI), which is the most frequently diagnosed type of dystocia in the bitch. A multifactorial origin of PUI is supported, although clear conclusions applicable to all cases cannot yet be drawn. Lower than normal maternal peripheral oxytocin and blood ionized calcium concentrations, as well as placental dysfunction resulting in decreased prostaglandin F2α production may be involved in its development. Furthermore, PUI has been linked to changes in the expression of several contractility-associated genes and proteins in the uterus, which may cause altered contractility, or alternatively and simultaneously reflect the time-dependent progression of labor. Future studies should focus on the interplay between the placenta, uterus, and the cervix to elucidate the underlying mechanical, endocrine and molecular mechanisms of PUI.

DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2025-133 PMCID: PMC13286665 PMID: 42309750 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: None.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:J Reprod Dev 2026

J Reprod Dev. 2026;72(3):390-397. doi: 10.1262/jrd.2025-133.

When physiology fails: Endocrine and clinical perspectives on complicated pregnancy and parturition outcome

PMID:42006391 — Pre-pyloric enteral nutrition versus total parenteral nutrition on survival in dogs with acute pancreatitis.

Source: Vet Evid 2025
Vet Evid. 2025 Dec 11;10(4):vetevid-10-4-730. doi: 10.18849/ve.v10i4.730.

eCollection 2025 Oct-Dec.

Pre-pyloric enteral nutrition versus total parenteral nutrition on survival in dogs with acute pancreatitis.

Ting FTF.

PICO QUESTION: In dogs with acute pancreatitis, does pre-pyloric enteral nutrition compared to total parenteral nutrition result in an improved survival rate? CATEGORY OF RESEARCH: Treatment. NUMBER AND TYPE OF STUDY DESIGNS REVIEWED: One paper was critically reviewed. It was an open-label, prospective pilot study. STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Weak. OUTCOMES REPORTED: There was no difference in outcome between the two treatments in this study. CONCLUSION: There is currently weak evidence on the effect of pre-pyloric enteral nutrition compared to total parenteral nutrition on the survival rate of dogs with acute pancreatitis.

DOI: 10.18849/ve.v10i4.730 PMCID: PMC13011048 PMID: 42006391

Conflict of interest statement: Contribute to the evidence: There are two main ways you can contribute to the evidence base while also enhancing your CPD: tell us your information need; write a knowledge summary. Either way, you will be helping to add to the evidence base, and strengthen the decisions that veterinary professionals around the world make to give animals the best possible care. Learn more here: https://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/author-hubDisclaimerKnowledge Summaries are a peer-reviewed article type which aims to answer a clinical question based on the best available current evidence. It does not override the responsibility of the practitioner. Informed decisions should be made by considering such factors as individual clinical expertise and judgement along with patient’s circumstances and owners’ values. Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help inform and any opinions expressed within the Knowledge Summaries are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the RCVS Knowledge. Authors are responsible for the accuracy of the content. While the Editor and Publisher believe that all content herein are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication, they accept no legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, and make no warranty, express or implied, with respect to material contained within. For further information please refer to our Terms of Use. The author declares no conflicts of interest.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Vet Evid 2025

Vet Evid. 2025 Dec 11;10(4):vetevid-10-4-730. doi: 10.18849/ve.v10i4.730.

eCollection 2025 Oct-Dec.

Pre-pyloric enteral nutrition versus total parenteral nutrition on survi

PMID:41227526 — Salmonellosis Outbreak in a Rottweiler Kennel Associated with Raw Meat-Based Diets.

Source: Animals (Basel) 2025
Animals (Basel). 2025 Nov 3;15(21):3196. doi: 10.3390/ani15213196.

Salmonellosis Outbreak in a Rottweiler Kennel Associated with Raw Meat-Based Diets.

Boneva-Marutsova B(1), Marutsov P(1), Geisler ML(2), Zhelev G(1).

Author information: (1)Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. (2)Laboklin GmbH & CO.KG, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany.

This case describes an outbreak of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype Agona in a Rottweiler breeding kennel, associated with raw meat-based diet (RMBD) of unlicensed origin. The report presents the clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological characteristics of the outbreak, as well as the control and preventive measures undertaken. Methods: Samples of faeces, vomit, raw food, and environmental surfaces were collected and examined. The isolated pathogen was identified using bacteriological culture, biochemical testing, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and serotyping according to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method in accordance with standards of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Clinical signs included vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and dehydration without fever, with disease exacerbation observed in post-partum animals. Extensive carriage and faecal shedding of S. Agona were detected in affected dogs, along with widespread contamination of food and the kennel environment. The isolate was susceptible to some antimicrobial agents but resistant to cephalexin, aminoglycosides, lincosamides, macrolides, and fusidic acid, and showed intermediate susceptibility to polymyxin B. Following discontinuation of raw meat feeding, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and environmental disinfection, all dogs recovered, and subsequent tests for Salmonella spp., were negative. All human contacts also tested negative. Conclusions: This represents the first documented outbreak of S. Agona infection in dogs in Bulgaria linked to a RMBD. The findings emphasise the importance of feed safety, biosecurity, and traceability of feed sources in kennels, as well as the potential zoonotic risk associated with raw feeding practices. The diagnostic and therapeutic measures implemented in this case provide an effective model for managing similar epidemiological events within the One Health framework.

DOI: 10.3390/ani15213196 PMCID: PMC12611043 PMID: 41227526

Conflict of interest statement: Marie-Louise Geisler was employed by Laboklin. All the authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Animals (Basel) 2025

Animals (Basel). 2025 Nov 3;15(21):3196. doi: 10.3390/ani15213196.

Salmonellosis Outbreak in a Rottweiler Kennel Associated with Raw Meat-Based Diets.

Boneva-Maruts

PMID:41801107 — Serum Ionized Calcium Concentrations in Breeding Bitches Over Time in Relation to Mastitis, Metritis and Dystocia in a Guide Dog Population.

Source: Vet Med Sci 2026
Vet Med Sci. 2026 Mar;12(2):e70870. doi: 10.1002/vms3.70870.

Serum Ionized Calcium Concentrations in Breeding Bitches Over Time in Relation to Mastitis, Metritis and Dystocia in a Guide Dog Population.

Ahmed AK(1), Cheong SH(2), Kelleman AA(1).

Author information: (1)Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA. (2)Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.

BACKGROUND: Hypocalcaemia in relation to postpartum diseases is well researched in bovine medicine, with findings extrapolated from this species for clinical evaluation in the canine. In bitches, the association of serum ionized calcium (iCa2+) and the incidence of mastitis and metritis, along with clinical hypocalcaemia signs in bitches, has not yet been evaluated. iCa2+ and dystocia have been previously assessed with mixed conclusions. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare serum iCa2+ concentrations between bitches that did or did not develop mastitis, metritis or dystocia. A secondary objective was to assess iCa2+ concentrations throughout the estrous cycle, including pregnancy and lactation. METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted in a guide dog population, with serum samples collected to measure iCa2+ concentrations at four different time points (pre-breeding, late gestation, 24 hours postpartum and 10 weeks postpartum) over a 2.5-year sampling timeframe. Cohorts studied included bitches that did and did not develop postpartum diseases. RESULTS: During 82 estrous cycles recorded from a total of 59 bitches, the overall incidence of mastitis, metritis and dystocia in this population was 21%, 15% and 38%, respectively. Differences in iCa2+ concentrations were not significant for bitches with mastitis, metritis or dystocia at any time point. iCa2+ concentrations measured at pre-breeding, late gestation, 24 hours postpartum and 10 weeks postpartum were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: iCa2+ concentrations do not appear to be related to the incidence of dystocia, mastitis or metritis, as documented in this study.

DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70870 PMCID: PMC12970165 PMID: 41801107 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Vet Med Sci 2026

Vet Med Sci. 2026 Mar;12(2):e70870. doi: 10.1002/vms3.70870.

Serum Ionized Calcium Concentrations in Breeding Bitches Over Time in Relation to Mastitis, Metritis and Dys