Parturition Flashcards
What is stage 1 of parturition?
- uterin contracations, cerivical dilation
- contracions not visible externally
- restless, nervous, anorexic
- trembles and shivers
- most characteristic is panting
- occasionally omiting
- pacing, nesting
- lasts 6-12hrs
What is stage II of parturition?
more active contractions
fetus passes through cervix and vagina
3-6hr up to 24hr
fetus in cervix stimulates ferguson’s reflex, oxytocin release and strengthens uterus and abdominal contractions
bitch can voluntarily inhibit stage 2
chorioallantois ruptures during passage
puppies delivered every 0.5-1hr
iregular and may rest 1-2 hrs before deliveries
bitch will remove membranes (in amnion), sever cord and lick vigourously and consume placenta
What is ferguson’s reflex?
where fetus in cervix stimuates oxytocin spike that strengthens uterine and abdominal contractions
When is assistance needed with stage II?
> 5hrs or longer for first pup to be born
more than 2 hrs between pups
(most puups delivered 20-60min apart)
What is stage III
placentas are expelled immediately after delivery of individual pup or 5-15min after
(or have a pup from each horn then two placentas)
bitch allowed to eat the placenta
What are two categories of dystocia?
- maternal
2. etal
What are fetal cuases of dystocia/
A. malpresentation
1. shoulder flexion
2. lateral deviation of the head left and right
3. large head–brachycephalic
4. two fetuses presented together
5. transvers or bi-cornual presentation
B. increased size of puppy
(single, prolonged gestation, smal liter size, genetic, broad head/shoulders)
C. abnormal development (weird ones, fetal death)
How can puppies present (normally)
cranial
caudal (normal!)
What is breech posture?
caudal but hind legs under body
What is dog sitting/shoulder flexion
legs under the dogs body
What are maternal causes of dystocia
- abnormalities of uterus
A. primary uterine inertia is most common with obesity being a common cause (genetic, overstretching, hormonal, calcium deficiency, voluntary inhibition)
B. secondary uterine distocia
C. abnormal position (torsion, herniation)
D. uterine rupture, trauma, tumor, placentitis, adhesions - small pelvic size (breed, age, trauma, neopllasia, development, nutritional)
- abnormalities of caudal reproductive tract
A. cervix (inflam, hormonal, congenital defect)
B. vaginal/vestibule (many)
C. vulva - abnormal expulsionn due to nonuterine causes (weird stuff–e.g. that doesn’t allow adequate abdominal contractions–ruptured diaphragm, perforated trachea), obesity!
What are reasons for c section?
oversize puppies
many puppies remaining in utero (also oxytocin)
What can you do if there are 4 or fewer pups remainina nd a nonobstructed birth canal what can you try before C section
oxytocin (not more than 6IU)
repeat if necessary (not more than every 45min)
consider calcium gluconate and/or glucose to support uterine contraction
if no pup born after 3 min, consider C section!
when does pseudopregnancy occur?
during diestrus
What is pseudopregnancy?
a display of maternal behavior and some physical signs compatible with pregnancy in a non pregnant diestrus animal
