Parturition Flashcards
What happens to rectal temperature 8-24 hours before parturition?
Drops 1-3 degrees C
What are the major signs of onset of parturition?
- nest making
- shivering/shaking, restlessness
- loss of appetite
- enlargement of vaginal lips, licking genital area
- obvious mammary development
How long should there be between births?
15-60 minutes, plus rest time
What happens in the first stage?
Uterus begins to contract and cervix dilates, signs/behaviours don’t differ from onset
What happens in the second stage?
Birth of the puppy
What happens in the third stage?
Expulsion of the placenta and foetal membranes
When/what is the 4th stage?
- Puerperium (After birth) is 4-6 weeks post-parturition
- Uterine involution (shrinking) and bleeding for 1 week
- Dam return to normal temperature
- Reproductive tract returns to normal
What is dystocia?
Obstructed labour
List some foetal reasons for dystocia.
- Foetal abnormalities (hydrops fetalis, anasarca, hydrocephalis, twins)
- Abnormal foetal position (e.g. foetus entering other uterine, blocking entrance to uterine body)
List some maternal reasons for dystocia.
- Uterine inertia (primary or secondary)
- Herniation or rupture
- Adhesions and torsions
- Birth canal abnormalities (steep pelvic floor, vaginal abnormalities, vulvar oedema)
What is primary uterine inertia?
Where contractions are absent
What is secondary uterine inertia?
Where contractions begin, but cease later on - due to exhaustion of uterine muscles
When should puppies eyes open?
Days 10-14
When should kittens eyes open?
Days 8-10
How often should hand-reared puppies/kittens be fed?
Every 2 hours during day and night for the first 3 weeks
