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BIRTHING DIFFICULTIES & YOUR DOG

    The delivery of puppies, known as whelping, is usually natural for dogs.  Unfortunately, in some dogs, dystocia (difficult or abnormal birth) will become a problem.

     Being aware of the normal labor process will help you recognize when there is a problem:

• Stage 1 usually lasts about 2-6 hours but can take up to 24 hours.  Your dog will show nesting behavior and may re restless and pant excessively.  You may or may not be able to actually notice the contractions.
• Stage 2, the puppies will begin to move through the birth canal.  Your dog will show obvious straining and have involuntary contractions of the abdominal muscles.
• Stage 3, the placenta will pass about 5-15 minutes after a puppy is birthed.

     If you think that the labor is not progressing as it should, call your veterinarian immediately.

WHAT CAUSES DYSTOCIA?

    Maternal Causes

         Difficult birth is sometimes caused by the shape and size of the pelvic canal (it may be too narrow, making delivery of pups difficult).  Other times, the uterus fails to contract properly.  This can occur at any stage of labor and is believed to be the results of uterine exhaustion, which often happens in older dogs.  Uterine exhaustion results from the prolonged labor typically associated with dystocia and is due to the uterine muscle wall becoming exhausted from contractions and not being able to expel the fetuses.

     Puppy Causes

           The size of the puppies can also cause dystocia.  If a puppy is too large, it will not fit in the birth canal.

           The position of a puppy may be another contributing factor.  Typically, puppies are born either head first or hind legs first but may not be in a position that allows easy passage.  Finally, some birth defects, such as an enlarged head, can lead to problems.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN

            If your dog experiences dystocia, she needs professional help immediately.  Keep her in a quiet area with no distractions, and call your veterinarian.

            You should also call your veterinarian for assistance if any of the following occurs:

• Your dog has been pregnant for over 70 days.
• Stage 1 labor has lasted for 24 hours without producing a pup.
• Steady strong contractions have continued for over 1 hour without a pup being delivered.
• There is a prolonged resting phase for over 4 hours when some pups have not been delivered.
• There is a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• The mother is vomiting excessively and seems lethargic.

             Based on your description of the labor and its progress, your veterinarian will determine if intervention is necessary.  Your will need to bring your dog to the clinic for an examination.  When transporting your dog, place a blanket underneath her and try to make her comfortable.  If you have and SUV or similar vehicle, your dog will need assistance getting in and out.

            First your veterinarian will perform a physical examination to determine whether the pups can safely progress through the birth canal.  X-rays may also be necessary to try to identify the number of pups, along with the shape and size of each.  These x-rays wil not harm your dog or her unborn pups.

            Your veterinarian may opt to administer some medications, such as oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions.  If the labor is prolonged,  the mother may so have low blood sugar or calcium levels and thus need calcium or dextrose injections.  If these interventions are not effective, your veterinarian will need to deliver the pups by cesarean section.

AT-HOME CARE

             While the mother is recovering from cesarean section, you must monitor the surgical site for any redness, swelling or discharge.  She should also be monitored for appetite and attitude.  While she's lactating, you will need to feed her puppy food for the extra calories and provide calcium supplement.  Don't forget to check that she is caring for her puppies and allowing them to feed.