Is dystocia life threatening to my Dog?
There are several types of dystocia that can happen at any stage of labor and delivery. All of these difficulties are dangerous enough to be life threatening to the birthing canine and her pups.
How do I know if my dog has dystocia?
To be able to determine whether your dog is suffering from dystocia or not, you need to know the date she should give birth. If she has not given birth within 65 days after you find out she is pregnant, you need to call your veterinarian.
What is “dystocia?
Dystocia can be defined as the inability to expel neonates (newborns) through the birth canal from the uterus. Dystocia is not uncommon in the bitch and can have several causes. The diagnosis of dystocia should be made and treatment instituted in an expedient fashion.
What causes dystocia in puppies?
Puppies are normally positioned with the fetal backbone adjacent to the top surface of the uterus. Malpositioning can cause mild dystocia. Abnormalities of posture, normal being fully extended, are the second most frequent fetal cause of dystocia.
What can cause dystocia in dogs?
Dystocia refers to abnormal or difficult birth. Causes include maternal factors (uterine inertia, inadequate size of birth canal) and/or fetal factors (oversized fetus, abnormal orientation as the fetus enters the birth canal). The condition occurs more commonly in certain breeds.
What are 2 symptoms of dystocia in dogs?
Symptoms of Dystocia in DogsLabor starts less than 56 days after conception.Labor has not started after 70 days.Bloody discharge.Green or black discharge for several hours without delivering.Vomiting.Strong contractions for more than an hour without delivering.Fetus trapped in the birth canal.More items...
How common is dystocia in dogs?
The reported rate of dystocic dams whelping with medical management alone is approximately 30%. 11,12 In one retrospective study,12 62.4% of bitches required cesarean section despite medical management for dystocia, and the total puppy mortality rate (regardless of intervention) was 22.3%.
How do you prevent dystocia in dogs?
Prevention of dystocia She should be fed a good diet, and be in top shape. The dam should be introduced to her whelping box a few weeks before the due date. She should be given time to acclimate to it, and her environment should be as stress-free as possible.
What dog breed is prone to dystocia?
Breeds of dogs that commonly experience dystocia include bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers. In addition, it is more common for a dog to experience dystocia with the first pregnancy. Cats usually do not develop dystocia.
How can I help my dog push her puppies out?
Step 1: Grasp the puppy with a clean towel. Step 2: Applying steady traction, gently pull the puppy at a slight downward angle. Continue pulling gently and steadily until the pup is delivered. Step 3: If you are unable to remove the puppy, contact the veterinarian immediately.
What is the treatment for dystocia?
Physicians and veterinarians often prescribe oxytocin to treat dystocia. However, oxytocin administration to pregnant women or animals is not without risk. In the venue of laboratory animal medicine, the use of oxytocin may present confounding variables to research.
How is dystocia treated?
Fetal dystocia is abnormal fetal size or position resulting in difficult delivery. Diagnosis is by examination, ultrasonography, or response to augmentation of labor. Treatment is with physical maneuvers to reposition the fetus, operative vaginal delivery.
How do you manage dystocia?
A combination of culling heifers with small pelvic areas and using bulls that sire calves with small birth weights may reduce dystocia significantly. Using only the sires' birth weight to control calf birth weight and dystocia is not effective.
How can you tell if a puppy is stuck in the birth canal?
Dog labor complication signs No puppy comes out after contractions lasting for 20 to 30 minutes. Your mother dog passes her green or red/brown vaginal plug and no puppy is born within four hours.
What causes stillborn puppies?
Genetic problems can be passed from mother to puppies, this is known as being hereditary. These medical issues can lead to stillborn births. A mother with a mild genetic disability may lead to a serious physical abnormality in the pup, causing it to be terminated and become stillborn.
How long is OK between puppies being born?
Typically, there should not be more than 1-2 hours between puppies although great variation exists. The delivery of an entire litter of puppies can take between 1 and 24 hours.
What is dystocia in dogs?
Dystocia in Dogs. Dystocia is the medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. This condition may occur as a result of maternal or fetal factors, and can occur during any stage of the labor. Abnormalities of presentation, posture, and the position of the fetus within the uterus can negatively affect the temporal relationship ...
What do you need to know about a dog's history?
You will need to give a thorough history of your dog's health, including any information you have about your dog's lineage, and details of any past pregnancies or reproductive problems. Your veterinarian will palpate (examine by touch) your dog's vaginal canal and cervix.
What is the third stage of a dog's life?
The third stage is delivery of the fetal membranes. The female dog may alternate between stage two and three with multiple fetuses being delivered. She may deliver one or two fetuses followed by one or two fetal membranes, or she may deliver a fetus followed by its accompanying fetal membrane.
Why do you have to time a dog for labor?
It must be timed as precisely as possible to ensure the health of the mother and puppies. If you suspect early in labor that your dog is suffering from dystocia, contact your veterinarian immediately so as to prevent further complications in the lives of the mother and puppies.
Can dogs have dystocia?
Dogs that are in distress and have been diagnosed with dystocia should be treated on an inpatient basis until all of the offspring have been delivered and until the mother has stabilized. If uterine contractions are absent and there is no evidence of fetal stress, medical treatment will be initiated. Your dog's condition may be due to low blood sugar, low levels of blood calcium, inadequate oxytocin production by the body or an inadequate response to normal oxytocin production.
Can a dog have a cesarean section?
If your dog is a breed predisposed to dystocia, or if your dog has a personal or familial history of dy stocia, ask your veterinarian about the possibility of scheduling an elective cesarean section before your dog can go into labor. It must be timed as precisely as possible to ensure the health of the mother and puppies.
Can obstructive dystocia cause uterine rupture?
Agents used to promote uterine contractions should not be administered when obstructive dystocia is possible, as they may accelerate placental separation and fetal death, or may cause uterine rupture. Oxytocin, glucose and calcium can be supplemented as needed.
What is the diagnosis of dystocia in dogs?
The diagnosis of dystocia is generally based on clinical signs ; however, some testing is usually done to ensure that your dog does not have a medical reason for the dystocia. During the evaluation, a complete blood count, calcium blood level, potassium blood level, glucose blood level, and X-rays to check size and number of puppies may be performed.
How to tell if my dog has dystocia?
Warning signs that your dog is experiencing dystocia: Strong abdominal contractions for greater than 30 minutes with no delivery of a puppy. Weak straining for greater than two hours with no delivery of puppy. Greater than four hours between delivery of puppies. A retained pup at the vulva.
What is the uterus of a dog?
In dogs and cats, the uterus consists of two tubes or uterine horns that join with a short uterine body. This is the incubator that nourishes unborn puppies and kittens.
How long does a dog have to be pregnant to get dystocia?
A pregnancy lasting more than 68 days is considered abnormal. Breeds of dogs that commonly experience dystocia include bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers. In addition, it is more common for a dog to experience dystocia with the first pregnancy. Cats usually do not develop dystocia.
Can a C section be performed for dystocia?
Medical treatment of dystocia is generally attempted first unless there is a reason that a C-section should be immediately performed. Reasons for recommending a C-section may include a very large puppy, malpositioned puppy, abnormal pelvic bone structure that would preclude natural delivery (previous fracture of the pelvis) or complete exhaustion of the mother.
What is dystocia in dogs?
Dystocia in dogs includes, for example, a stalled labor, a blocked puppy, a malpresentation, etc. Most dog breeders go through their litters, one after the other, without ever having one of their female dogs facing such challenges during the pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Nature generally takes care of everything and dogs manage smaller ...
What does it mean when a dog has dystocia?
Canine dystocia means a difficult or abnormal whelping of puppies. When dystocia occurs, it may originate from the dam or the puppies. A dam’s pregnancy normally lasts 63 days, with toy breeds a bit shorter and larger breeds a bit longer.
Why is my puppy not showing up after 4 hours?
Failure for the puppy to appear could be caused by uterine insufficiency or some problem with the puppy. Uterine insufficiency accounts for 40 to 70% of all maternally caused dystocias.
Why do puppies die from a dead fetus?
Sometimes a fetus dies for no apparent reason. Only about 1% of dystocia due to the puppies is from a dead fetus. The presence of a dead fetus can endanger the delivery of the other puppies. A genetic defect can be a one-time mutation or it may be a problem in the genetics of the dam or sire.
How to lower chances of dystocia?
One thing that can be done to lower the chances for dystocia is to have good information. Some breeders will take two temperatures a day in the last two weeks of pregnancy or have the veterinarian check out progesterone levels to help pinpoint when labor should begin. An x-ray or ultrasound in the last two weeks of pregnancy will let an owner know how many puppies to expect in the litter, and help assess the size of the puppies and their viability. Blood chemistry can help with early diagnosis and treatment of health problems like eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
How long does a dam have to labor before a veterinarian?
The time for labor varies for individual dams and for different breeds. Dams with previous litters usually have shorter labors. How long a dam should be allowed to labor before the veterinarian is called differs among the various sources. Most will agree that the veterinarian should be called for a dam that has labored with obvious contractions for more than 12 hours without a whelping.
Why do dogs have dystocia?
Causes of Dystocia in Dogs. The below common causes of canine dystocia are proven right by the frequent diagnosis of birthing problems in specific breeds (small and toy breeds, but also overweight dogs, and brachycephalic breeds). The reasons why dystocia and birthing difficulties affect a breed of dogs more than another, ...
What does dystocia mean for dogs?
Dystocia means "difficult birth, " and it can be an all hands on deck kind of emergency since we’re simultaneously dealing with mom’s health as well as that of a sometimes large number of newborn puppies. Even if you never plan on having a pregnant female dog in your life (I’m going to avoid the b-word to keep the profanity filters happy), knowing the basics about the canine birthing process might help you understand why you’ve been kept waiting, or why your appointment has to be rescheduled if a dog with dystocia arrives at the clinic.
How do veterinarians know when a puppy is due?
To make appropriate decisions around the time of birth, veterinarians need to know when the litter is due (based on breeding dates, a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) prior to breeding, and/or a drop in temperature or progesterone levels prior to labor) and how many puppies are coming (based on X-rays or ultrasounds).
How do dogs move?
Dogs move between stages two and three as they give birth to a litter. Sometimes a puppy will be born followed by a placenta. Other times, several puppies will be born followed by several placentas. I use the following parameters to help determine if a dog is having difficulty giving birth.
Causes of Dystocia in Dogs
The causes that lead to dystocia in dogs can be either related to the female dog or to the fetuses. Fetal causes for dystocia include: oversized puppies, abnormal presentation ( the abnormal position or posture of the fetuses in the birth canal) fetal death.
Dog Whelping Stages
Caring for a whelping dog is particularly stressful especially for first time dog owners. Therefore it is advisable to understand the different whelping stages taking place when a pregnant dog is giving birth.
When to Call the Vet
Knowing when to call the vet and ask for assistance is of critical importance. Generally speaking, the vet should be contacted i the following scenarios:
Caesarean Section in Dogs
A Caesarian section is a relatively common procedure in which the womb is opened, the pups extracted and then the womb is sewn shut. It is the treatment of choice for difficult labors where pups either cannot or will not pass through the birth canal.
How to diagnose dystocia?
The veterinarian’s diagnosis of dystocia is based on taking an accurate history, including reproductive history, ovulation timing and breeding dates, and performing a careful physical examination including a digital pelvic examination for the presence of vaginal abnormalities and the presence of a fetus in the birth canal. Hand held doppler, abdominal ultrasound and x-rays can be very helpful in assessing fetal viability, litter size and fetal position. A blood test to measure calcium and glucose levels is helpful in identifying metabolic disorders contributing to dystocia.
What is dystocia in a dam?
Dystocia can occur as a consequence of problems with the dam’s uterus or birth canal, or with the fetus. The diagnosis of dystocia should be based on the presence of any of the following criteria:
What are the causes of dystocia?
Uterine abnormalities contributing to the development of dystocia include uterine inertia, abnormalities associated with fetal fluids, and herniation or torsion of a uterine horn. Uterine inertia, failure of the uterine muscle to contract in an effective manner, can be primary or secondary. Primary uterine inertia is mutifactorial, ...
What is the number to call for dystocia?
Call 530-752-1393 to schedule an appointment with the Theriogenology (Reproduction and Fertility) Service. Dystocia can be defined as the inability to expel neonates (newborns) through the birth canal from the uterus. Dystocia is not uncommon in the bitch and can have several causes. The diagnosis of dystocia should be made ...
Can malpositioning cause dystocia?
Malpositioning can cause mild dystocia. Abnormalities of posture, normal being fully extended, are the second most frequent fetal cause of dystocia. Malpositioning of the head, forelimbs or hindlimbs of the canine fetus is not readily corrected with the use of forceps, traction, or digital manipulation because of the limitations of the size ...
Can a bitch have dystocia?
Dystocia is not uncommon in the bitch and can have several causes. The diagnosis of dystocia should be made and treatment instituted in an expedient fashion. An incorrect diagnosis of dystocia may result in an unnecessary cesarean section, but failure to recognize or prioritize dystocia usually results in the loss of puppies and perhaps even ...
What causes dystocia in dogs?
Morphologic causes of dystocia are those in which an anatomic abnormality of the bitch or queen results in obstruction of the birth canal. Primary morphologic abnormalities are commonly seen in narrow-hipped dogs like Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Scottish Terriers, where the birth canal is too small to allow passage of a fetus ...
What is the second most common cause of dystocia in dogs and cats?
Malpresentations are reported to be the second most common cause of dystocia in dogs and cats. 4,5 The faulty foetal presentations most commun are transverse presentation and simultaneous presentation of two foetuses. The faulty foetal posture most commun are lateral deviation of the head and ventral deviation of the head.
What is the meaning of dystocia?
Introduction. Dystocia (Greek dys = difficult, tokos = birth) is defined as the inability to expel fetuses through the birth canal during parturition and may result from maternal or fetal factors that prevent delivery from taking place.
What are the two forms of treatment for dystocia?
2. Treatment of Dystocia. When dystocia is diagnosed in the bitch or queen, two forms of treatment exist: medical or surgical therapy. 2.1. Medical Agents Used in the Treatment of Dystocia. Medical management of dystocia has the advantage of aiding completion of the parturition process without surgery or anesthesia.
What breeds of cats have dystocia?
In one study looking at the association between cranial conformation and dystocia, the prevalence of dystocia was 10% in dolichocephalic breeds (e.g., Siamese, Cornish Rex), 7.3% in brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Persian, British Shorthair), and only 2.3% in mesocephalic cats. 4. 2.
What is a faulty foetal posture?
The faulty foetal posture most commun are lateral deviation of the head and ventral deviation of the head. If a foetal malformation such as anasarca, schistosoma reflexum, hydrocephalus or conjoined twins is present, the foetus usually is too large for the birth canal and has to be delivered surgically.
Which breed of dog has narrow birth canals?
Congenitally narrowed birth canals are seen in many brachycephalic and terrier breeds, such as Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Scottish Terriers, and their fetuses may have comparatively large heads, predisposing them to maternal-fetal disproportion. 6.
What is dystocia in bitches?
Dystocia in bitches is defined as an abnormal process of childbirth in which the female dog is unable to expel the fetus. The complications that your pet can develop need to be attended to urgently by professionals, otherwise the life of the mother and the newborn will be exposed to great danger.
Main causes of dystocia in bitches
For dystocia in bitches to manifest itself, certain factors need to intervene. For example, poor fetal posture, abnormal position in the uterus, large puppies, and poor presentation of the vaginal lumen. However, the main reason lies in some maternal and fetal processes that we’ll share with you below.
Symptoms of dystocia in bitches
When it comes to dystocia problems in bitches, observation will be your best tool. Once labor begins, keep an eye on your pet. If you identify any of these abnormalities, don’t hesitate to make an emergency visit to your veterinarian:
Diagnostic methods
The first step in arriving at a diagnosis of dystocia in bitches is to perform a complete physical and clinical examination of the patient. In addition to checking her pregnancy, the veterinarian will check her vital signs and perform an abdominal palpation.
Treatment of dystocia in bitches
The therapeutic actions to choose will depend on the breed and the severity of the problem. Ideally, comprehensive support based on manual and pharmacologic techniques should be used.
Symptoms and Types
Causes
- Fetal 1. Oversize fetus 2. Abnormal presentation, position, or posture of fetus in the birth canal 3. Fetal death Maternal 1. Poor uterine contractions 2. Ineffective abdominal press 3. Inflammation of the uterus (usually caused by infection) 4. Pregnancy toxemia, gestational diabetes 5. Abnormal pelvic canal from previous pelvic injury, abnormal conformation, or pelvic immaturity …
Diagnosis
- You will need to give a thorough history of your dog's health, including any information you have about your dog's lineage, and details of any past pregnancies or reproductive problems. Your veterinarian will palpate (examine by touch) your dog's vaginal canal and cervix. Your veterinarian will take samples for testing; at the minimum, a packed cell volume (PCV), a total protein, a BUN …
Treatment
- Dogs that are in distress and have been diagnosed with dystocia should be treated on an inpatient basis until all of the offspring have been delivered and until the mother has stabilized. If uterine contractions are absent and there is no evidence of fetal stress, medical treatment will be initiated. Your dog's condition may be due to low blood sugar, low levels of blood calcium, inade…
Living and Management
- If your dog is a breed predisposed to dystocia, or if your dog has a personal or familial history of dystocia, ask your veterinarian about the possibility of scheduling an elective cesarean section before your dog can go into labor. It must be timed as precisely as possible to ensure the health of the mother and puppies. If you suspect early in labor that your dog is suffering from dystocia, …
Anatomy
Signs of A Normal Delivery
- Within one to two weeks of delivery of puppies and kittens, the pregnant animal’s mammary glands become enlarged, turgid, and secrete milk. Within 12 to 24 hours of delivery, the mother will become restless; seek seclusion; lose her appetite and create a nest; and her rectal temperature will drop to below 99° Fahrenheit.
Clinical Signs of Abnormal Delivery
- A pregnancy lasting more than 68 days is considered abnormal. Breeds of dogs that commonly experience dystocia include bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers. In addition, it is more common for a dog to experience dystocia with the first pregnancy. Cats usually do not develop dystocia. Warning signs that your dog is experiencing dystocia: 1. Strong abd...
Diagnosis
- The diagnosis of dystocia is generally based on clinical signs; however, some testing is usually done to ensure that your dog does not have a medical reason for the dystocia. During the evaluation, a complete blood count, calcium blood level, potassium blood level, glucose blood level, and X-rays to check size and number of puppies may be performed.
Treatment
- Medical treatment of dystocia is generally attempted first unless there is a reason that a C-section should be immediately performed. Reasons for recommending a C-section may include a very large puppy, malpositioned puppy, abnormal pelvic bone structure that would preclude natural delivery (previous fracture of the pelvis) or complete exhaustion of the mother. Medicines that a…
Results
- Early intervention with medical or surgical therapy will allow for the best survival of both the mother and her puppies. Potential complications that may occur include anesthetic death of mother or puppies, stillborn puppies, infection, subinvolution of the uterus (evidenced by bloody vaginal discharge for weeks after surgery) and toxemia.