Dystocia in the Bitch and Queen - Dr. Runcan Flashcards
Parturition is triggered by _______________
fetal stress
What is responsible for PGF2 alpha (a hormone released from the endometrium to lyse the CL, also helps with uterine contractions)?
Fetal cortisol
What are the hormones responsible for uterine contraction?
- PGF2 alpha
- Oxytocin
Predicting Parturition
How do we predict that a dog is ready to deliver her puppies?
- progesterone timing
- time of matting
- LH surge
Predicting Parturition
How many weeks before will you start seeing the following:
- Small amount of clear/tan vulvar discharge
- Anorexia and panting
- +/- Mammary development
- “Nesting” behavior
1-2 weeks
Predicting Parturition
What are the most accurate ways to know?
- Body temperature
- Serum progesterone (much much more accurate)
- < 2 ng/ml
- decreased 12-48 hours prior to parturition - Radiographs
- the last things are tail, teeth, talus and toes - Ultrasonographic examination
You are able to estimate organ development using ultrasonographic examination, fill in the following blanks:
a. GI layering – __________ days; 2-8 days before parturition
- hypoechoic lumen
- hyperechoic muscular layer
b. GI peristalsis – __________ days
a. 58-60
b. 62-64
What stage is this:
- Period of cervical dilation
– No abdominal contractions
– Restless
– Panting
– Anorexia/vomiting
– “Nesting”
– Up to 12 hours
– Primiparous – 36 hrs
Stage I
What stage is this:
– Cervix dilated
– Coordinated abdominal contractions
– Clear vulvar discharge
– Active delivery of pups
– Up to 4 hours until the first pup
– < 2 hours in between pups
– Anterior or posterior
Stage 2
What stage is this:
– Passage of placentas
– Retained placentas rare
– Bitch does not need to eat them!
* Gastroenteritis
* Obstruction
* Choke
* Diarrhea
Stage 3
What breeds are predisposed to dystocia?
- Brachycephalic
- X-Large Dogs
- X-small dogs
the inability for the uterine muscle to contract
Uterine inertia
(T/F) The number one cause of dystocia, in maternal causes, is Uterine inertia
True
Uterine inertia
Is this Primary or Secondary?
- Singleton litter
- Hypocalcemia
Primary - Lochia without puppy
Uterine inertia
Is this Primary or Secondary?
- Obese animals
- Fetopelvic disproportion
- Elderly animals
Secondary
What are the Dystocia–Fetal Causes?
- Fetal oversize
– Singleton litters
– Gestational diabetes
– Hydrocephalus / anasarca - Abnormalities of presentation or posture
– Transverse
– Breech
– Deviation of head/neck or limbs
Dystocia - Workup
Abdominal ultrasound
– Fetal HR – 2-2.5x dam (typically at 220-240 bpm)
- >200
- <180
- <160
When are we cutting??
If it is <160
What breeds are predisposed to singleton Litters?
Small and toy breeds predisposed
info. card
- C-sections often warranted
- Close fetal monitoring essential
- Serial progesterone monitoring
– May not fall!
– Monitor fetal heart rates and maturation
Singleton Litters
Dystocia – Medical Management
– 2-5 IU SQ or IM
– Redose 20-30 minutes
– Monitor the bitch
– Do not use with obstruction!
– 3 strikes and you’re out
Oxytocin (use tiny doses, and 3 times only)
Dystocia – Medical Management
* Dilute 1:1 with saline – 1-5ml SQ
* 10-20 mg/kg IV or SQ
– 1 ml/10#
* Helps efficacy of oxytocin
* Uterine hypocalcemia before serum!
* Repeat in 6-8 hrs
10% Calcium Gluconate
Feline Pregnancy diagnoses are:
- Palpation – 21-25 days
- Ultrasound – 10 days, > 20 days best
- Relaxin – 30 days
What is the average gestation in felines?
63 days from breeding (range 63-67 days)
(T/F) Dystocia is uncommon in feline pregnancy
True
A bitch is considered to be experiencing dystocia if a puppy is not born within how many hours of the onset of stage II labor?
4
What drug should never be used for medical management of dystocia if the bitch has evidence of obstruction?
oxytocin
(T/F) The bitch should be allowed to eat her placentas during whelping to ensure normal maternal behavior
False
What is the FIRST diagnostic test that should be performed when a bitch presents for dystocia?
Digital palpation of the vagina
What dosage of oxytocin should be used for the medical management of dystocia?
2-5 IU
