Small Animal Dystocia

Question 1

Define dystocia:

Answer 1

Difficult birth/delivery

Question 2

What is the typical presentation of of puppies/kittens for delivery?

Answer 2

~30% will face posterior and this is NORMAL
Rarely have true “breech” babies

Question 3

What types of breeds typically are not able to whelp unassisted?

Answer 3

Brachycephalics (Frenchies, English bulldogs, pugs, etc)

Question 4

What are the two definite ways to determine if a bitch is ready to whelp?

Answer 4

P4 timing
Ultrasound
Do NOT go to C-section based on breeding date

Question 5

5 ways to determine if a bitch is having a dystocia?

Answer 5

1. 4 hours of weak contractions and no puppy
2. More than 2 hours between puppies (ideal is every 30 min)
3. More than 30 min of active contractions and straining without a puppy
4. Black or excessive green vulvar discharge and no puppy
5. Large amount of frank blood coming from vulva

Question 6

What should you do as soon as a dystocia bitch presents to you?

Answer 6

Give full cost of treatment (exam, surgery, NSAIDs, etc)
Complete PE on Dam
Vaginal exam
Ultrasound (fetal viability, HR)

Question 7

Drugs to use for medical management of dystocia in bitches?

Answer 7

Oxytocin
Calcium Gluconate - check ionized calcium before giving
Glucose- Karo syrup in warm water with syringe, fluids with dextrose

Question 8

Adjunctive medical therapies for dystocia in bitches?

Answer 8

Lube/warm water 1:1 ratio
8-10 french red rubber catheter
Sedation +/- epidural

Question 9

When would you go to surgery for dystocia?

Answer 9

Failed medical tx, stressed puppies, obstruction

Question 10

What NSAIDs are safe to use in puppies?

Answer 10

Meloxicam, Carprofen
No renal issues when used in 3-5 day old pups

Question 11

What anesthetic drugs are safe to induce the bitch for a c-seciton?

Answer 11

Propofol, Alfaxalone

Question 12

Sedative for bitch before C-seciton surgery that is safe for puppies?

Answer 12

Opioids (Reversible)
Typically use Fentanyl + Naloxone

Question 13

How do we recover neonates after delivery by C-section?

Answer 13

WARM
RUB
SUCTION
OXYGEN
Drugs as needed (no Dopram!)

Question 14

When puppies are delivered via C-section, what is one of the first things you should check for?

Answer 14

Cleft palates/congenital malformations
Put those puppies aside (they won’t make it) and tend to the ones that will survive

Question 15

Post-op care for dam & babies following C-Section surgery?

Answer 15

Clean disinfectant off teats
Adaptil collar/spray
Extubate, then introduce puppies
Make sure they can walk and urinate prior to discharge
Short course of NSAIDs