Eclampsia in the bitch, also known as puerperal tetany, is a metabolic disorder characterized by hypocalcaemia. It is most commonly seen in lactating females during the first three weeks following parturition, but it can occur before, during, or up to six weeks after parturition. Hypocalcaemia is most often caused by calcium loss in milk and insufficient dietary calcium intake. Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening disease condition that often manifests 2-3 weeks after whelping, during the time of peak lactation. Large litters of small breed bitches are most frequently affected. Moreover, hypocalcaemia during parturition has been associated with dystocia.