Hypocalcaemia (eclampsia) is a life-threatening emergency in lactating queens, causing neurological signs and convulsions. Prevention through appropriate nutrition and prompt recognition are essential welfare measures.
Eclampsia causes acute and severe neurological suffering in affected queens and threatens both maternal and neonatal welfare through death or abandonment of the litter. Prevention through avoiding calcium supplementation in pregnancy, monitoring high-risk queens closely in early lactation, and providing access to emergency veterinary care enables the most effective welfare protection.