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Croatian veterinary report, Vol. 34 No. 1, 2026.

Professional paper

From Anamnesis to Stabilization: Clinical Examination and Emergency Conditions in Canine and Feline Neonatology

Ines Ema Šelendić ; Veterinary practice Sesvete, Sesvete, Croatia
Ivan Butković ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *
Ana Shek Vugrovečki orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-8261-5310 ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Gabrijela Jurkić Krsteska ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Jadranka Pejaković Hlede orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-4551-086X ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivona Žura Žaja ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Full text: croatian pdf 791 Kb

page 52-62

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Abstract

The neonatal period in puppies and kittens is characterized by physiological immaturity and specific features that require a tailored clinical approach and careful interpretation of diagnostic findings. The aim of this paper is to present a systematic approach to the clinical assessment of neonatal patients in ambulatory practice, with emphasis on history taking, evaluation of vital functions, basic laboratory and imaging diagnostic methods, and management of the most common emergency conditions. History taking includes information about the dam, pregnancy, parturition, environmental conditions, and the status of the entire
litter, as neonatal disorders are often associated with perinatal factors. This is followed by assessment of vital parameters according to age-specific reference values and a systematic examination of organ systems to detect congenital malformations, infections, and metabolic disorders. Reference hematological and biochemical values characteristic of the neonatal period are presented, along with interpretative specificities of additional diagnostic methods. Special attention is given to hypoglycemia, hypoxia, hypothermia, and dehydration as the most common emergency conditions. Timely and properly conducted clinical assessment is essential for reducing neonatal mortality and ensuring optimal growth and development of
puppies and kittens.

Keywords

canine and feline neonatology; clinical examination; neonatal physiology; diagnostics; emergency conditions

Hrčak ID:

345870

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/345870

Publication date:

26.3.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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