Effect of domperidone and/or oxytocin on milk bromatological composition in bitches with hypogalactia after elective caesarean section.
Treatment with domperidone and/or oxytocin in bitches with hypogalactia does not compromise colostrum composition, but milk composition varies with treatment.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the oxytocin corpusSummary and findings
This study measured the bromatological composition of colostrum and milk in bitches with hypogalactia after elective caesarean section, treated with domperidone and/or oxytocin. Twenty bitches were assigned to four treatment groups: Oxytocin, Domperidone, Oxytocin + Domperidone, and Control. Results indicated variations in milk composition, particularly in protein, fat, and carbohydrate content, depending on the treatment protocol.
Abstract
Lactational disorders significantly increase puppy mortality, due to delayed colostrum intake and suboptimal nutrition to fulfill growth and development. Hypogalactia is a common consequence of c-section, even at term, and requires treatment to ensure adequate puppies' nutritional requirement. For such purpose, galactagogues can be used to stimulate synthesis of mammary secretion and/or induce its ejection. This study aimed to perform a bromatological analysis of colostrum and milk from bitches with post-surgical hypogalactia treated with domperidone to stimulate lactogenesis and/or oxytocin to increase milk withdraw. Twenty bitches diagnosed with hypogalactia immediately after c-section were enrolled and assigned to four experimental groups of treatment: Oxytocin (n = 5; 0.1 IU/kg within 100 mL of saline solution, IV, BID for 3 days), Domperidone (n = 5; 1 mg/kg, PO, BID for 3 days), Oxytocin + Domperidone (n = 5), and Control (n = 5; normogalactia bitches). Milk was collected at 0h (before treatment), 24h, 3d, 7d, and 21d postpartum and subjected to bromatological analysis. In Domperidone Group, percentage and concentration of total solids and milk protein decreased from pre-treatment to day 3 postpartum, while carbohydrate concentration increased. Oxytocin-treated group showed decrease in total solids, but higher lipid content from day 3 onward. Milk carbohydrate and lipid concentrations increased on day 3 and day 7 postpartum, respectively, in bitches treated with both domperidone and oxytocin. In conclusion, treatment with domperidone and/or oxytocin in bitches with hypogalactia does not compromise colostrum composition, albeit milk protein, fat and carbohydrate content varied further in lactation according to the treatment protocol, comparable to that of bitches with normal lactation.
Background
This paper addresses the issue of hypogalactia in bitches following elective caesarean sections, a condition that can lead to increased puppy mortality due to inadequate nutrition. Previous studies have indicated that galactagogues like domperidone and oxytocin can stimulate lactation, but their specific effects on milk composition in this context were not well established. Understanding the bromatological composition of milk in treated bitches is crucial for ensuring optimal nutrition for puppies.
Methods
The study utilized a controlled experimental design with a total of 20 bitches diagnosed with hypogalactia. They were divided into four groups: Oxytocin (n=5; 0.1 IU/kg IV BID for 3 days), Domperidone (n=5; 1 mg/kg PO BID for 3 days), Oxytocin + Domperidone (n=5), and Control (n=5; normogalactia). Milk samples were collected at multiple time points: 0h (before treatment), 24h, 3d, 7d, and 21d postpartum for bromatological analysis.
Results
The primary endpoint observed was the change in milk composition over time. In the Domperidone Group, total solids and milk protein decreased from pre-treatment to day 3 postpartum, while carbohydrate concentration increased. The Oxytocin-treated group showed a decrease in total solids but an increase in lipid content from day 3 onward. Additionally, both carbohydrate and lipid concentrations increased on days 3 and 7 postpartum, respectively, in bitches treated with both domperidone and oxytocin.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while treatment with domperidone and/or oxytocin alters the composition of milk, it does not compromise colostrum quality. However, the clinical significance of these changes in milk composition for puppy growth and development remains unclear. The small sample size and short duration of follow-up limit the conclusions that can be drawn about the long-term effects of these treatments on lactation.
Key findings
- In Domperidone Group, total solids and milk protein decreased from pre-treatment to day 3 postpartum.
- Carbohydrate concentration increased in the Domperidone Group.
- Oxytocin-treated group showed a decrease in total solids but higher lipid content from day 3 onward.
- Milk carbohydrate concentrations increased on day 3 postpartum in bitches treated with both domperidone and oxytocin.
- Milk lipid concentrations increased on day 7 postpartum in bitches treated with both domperidone and oxytocin.
Limitations
- small sample size of 20 bitches
- short follow-up period of 21 days
- no assessment of long-term lactation outcomes
- potential confounding factors not controlled for