Effect of domperidone and/or oxytocin on milk bromatological composition in bitches with hypogalactia after elective caesarean section.

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.