Small Animal Dystocia

Question 1

what are 5 ways to identify dystocia?

Answer 1

1. 4h of weak contractions and no puppy
2. > 2h between puppies
3. > 30 min of active contractions and straining without a puppy
4. black or excessive green vulvar discharge and no puppy produced
5. large amount of frank blood coming from the vulva

Question 2

what should you feel for on vaginal examination?

Answer 2

fergusons reflex

Question 3

a dog comes into your clinic and is very pregnant and displaying signs of dystocia. You decide to ultrasound the puppies and notice the heartrates are below 180bpm, what does this mean?

Answer 3

<180 is too low and you need to go to surgery

Question 4

what determines if we can medically manage a dystocia case?

Answer 4

fergusons reflex

Question 5

what drugs can be given to medically manage dystocia?

Answer 5

oxytocin
Ca Gluconate
Glucose

Question 6

oxytocin stimulates __ contractions and is good for one big baby that needs the final push but repeated doses may get the baby__ and contractions are sustained for __ hours at lower levels

Answer 6

uterine, stuck, 12 hours

Question 7

adjunctive method of handling dystocia

Answer 7

if you can get fingers in and it just needs more lubricant, etc.

lube to warm H20 1:1 ratio (30-60cc)
8-10 french red rubber catheter
sedation +/- epidural

Question 8

what heart rates indicate stressed puppies and kittens

Answer 8

puppies < 180
kittens < 180

Question 9

what drugs should you never give the dam?

Answer 9

ace or valium

Question 10

whats the ideal drug for sx dystocia intervention?

Answer 10

no vasoconstirctive properties and reversible

typically fentanyl and propofol are used with an epidural

buprenorphine may be given to the dam once the puppies are out

Question 11

briefly describe neonate recovery

Answer 11

• warm environment (should be sweating)
• rub
• suction
• O2 flow by
• drugs as needed (naloxone)

Question 12

post-op care

Answer 12

• wipe off disinfectants off teats prior to recovery
• adaptil collar and or spray
• extubate then introduce puppies/kittens
  -make sure they can walk and urinate prior to discharge
• short course of nsaids