Reposição de colostro no neonato: o que, quando e como administrar?

Abstract

The placental type of carnivores represents a relatively impenetrable barrier to the transfer of maternal immunoglobulins, making dogs and cats extremely dependent on colostrum ingestion and absorption for adequate passive immunity transfer. Therefore, puppies are considered hypogammaglobulinemic, and colostrum ingestion is essential for neonatal survival. The main reason why colostrum replacement should be instituted is the orphanage or absence of maternal care, which can generate different degrees of neonatal intensive care. Therefore, in the case of maternal death, maternal illness or weakness, lack of maternal instinct or rejection of the litter, disorders of the mammary gland, agalactia or hypogalactia and weak or low birth weight puppies. In the absence of colostrum or inadequate colostrum uptake, some alternatives can be adopted to ensure the transfer of passive immunity. Colostrum replacement can be established naturally or artificially, depending on the availability of commercial preparations, colostrum bank or female donors.