The Normal Neonate - Key Notes

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:13:56 GMT

Current Revision posted to Revision Guide For Student Nurses - Part 2 by Arlo Guthrie on 4/21/2009 12:13:56 PM

NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE - PUPPIES:

NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE - KITTENS:

NORMAL RESPIRATORY RATE - PUPPIES AND KITTENS:

NORMAL HEART RATE - PUPPIES AND KITTENS:

NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Species	Kcal per 500g of body weight per day
Puppies	60
Kittens	200

(Orphan formula milk contains approximately 1 kcal/ml)

NORMAL BIRTH WEIGHTS:

EXPECTED INCREASES IN BODY WEIGHT:

Species	Should double in birth weight within
Puppies	10-12 days
Kittens	14 days

Generally, an increase of 10-15% of birth weight per day in the first week of life is normal, and a 20-25% increase per day thereafter.

Another useful guide is that puppies should gain 2-4g/kg of their anticipated adult weight per day.