Dystocia
Posted: Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 | Updated: Tuesday, January 25th, 2022
Posted: Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 | Updated: Tuesday, January 25th, 2022
Dystocia or difficulty giving birth is present when: the fetus is stuck in the birth canal, there is a structural abnormality present preventing normal delivery, the gestation period has been greater than 70 days, a drop in rectal temperature below 100 degrees F has been noted with no evidence of labor, green vaginal discharge is present with no fetus delivered, no puppies are delivered 2 to 3 hours after evidence of an amniotic sac, strong contractions have occurred for 30 minutes with no delivery of a puppy or kitten, infrequent and weak contractions have occurred with no delivery of a puppy after 4 hours from the onset of labor, there is no evidence of further contractions or the delivery of a puppy after 2 hours have passed, and/or there are any signs of pain or illness
Dystocia may be caused by: structural abnormalities (narrowing of the pelvic canal), uterine torsion, hypocalcemia, uterine inertia or the inability to contract and expel, abnormal birthing positions of the puppy or kitten, and/or large fetus size relative to the patient
Treatments for dystocia may include: administering a few rounds of oxytocin IM at around 30 minute intervals, supplementing intravenous fluids with dextrose to help treat hypoglycemia, providing calcium gluconate if hypocalcemia is present, and/or emergency cesarean section (surgery)
Dystocia may be caused by: structural abnormalities (narrowing of the pelvic canal), uterine torsion, hypocalcemia, uterine inertia or the inability to contract and expel, abnormal birthing positions of the puppy or kitten, and/or large fetus size relative to the patient
Treatments for dystocia may include: administering a few rounds of oxytocin IM at around 30 minute intervals, supplementing intravenous fluids with dextrose to help treat hypoglycemia, providing calcium gluconate if hypocalcemia is present, and/or emergency cesarean section (surgery)
Sources:
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.