Dystocia and Its Management in the Bitch and Cat

Journal of Canine Practice and Research (2004) 4: 90-100.

DYSTOCIA AND ITS MANAGEMENT IN THE BITCH AND QUEEN– A REVIEW

G.N. Purohit1 and Mitesh Gaur2

Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and ObstetricsCollege of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner (Raj.)- 334 001

ABSTRACT

Dystocia in the bitch and cat has been poorly described. A wide variation

in the whelping/kittening process appears to be present over the various breeds

of these two species. The reported incidence shows a wide variation with an

overall incidence of 5-7%. The miniature as well as Brachy cephalic breeds of

dogs and the Persian cats appear to be more prone to dystocia. The maternal

causes of dystocia appear to be more common in the dog and cat with uterine

inertia as the predominant cause followed by narrow pelvic canal, abnormal

maternal soft structures, uterine abnormalities and nervous voluntary inhibition of

labor. The fetal causes of dystocia described for the bitch and cat include fetal

oversize, fetal malpresentations and monstrosities. Careful management of

dystocia in these two species is an essence often necessitating an emergency

caesarean section to save the pups when medical therapy with pharmaceutic

agents fails to relieve the dystocia.

Key words: Bitch, cat, dystocia, fetal, maternal.

Dystocia is the inability of the dam to expel the fetus at parturition through

the birth canal without assistance. The incidence of dystocia in companion

animals like the bitch and queen are quite low (Jackson, 1995) but when it occurs

it may constitute life threatening situations to both the dam and the young ones.

Due to a wide number of breeds of different size and due to a variable

experience of the breeders, patients may be brought for therapy at a very late

stage or at an early stage.

2Ph.D. Scholar, Deptt. of Animal Reprod. Gynaec. & Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner.


NORMAL WHELPING/KITTENING

The gestation period in the bitch is 65 ± 5 days (Concannon et al., 1983)

and the first stage of labor is characterized by nesting behaviour, panting, flank

watching, restlessness and occasionally vomiting and mild straining (Jackson,

1995). During the second stage of labor, the bitch usually lies in lateral

recumbency but sometimes walks around. The chorioallantois of each puppy

ruptures at the pelvic inlet. The first puppy should be delivered within 2 hours of

the commencement of second stage labor. The interval between puppies being

5-60 minutes (Jackson, 1995).

In case of queen, the gestation period is taken as 63 to 65 days on an

average. The first stage of labour is characterized by clear vulvo-vaginal

discharge, vocalization, tachypnea, pacing in circles, rearranging of bedding and

washing itself constantly. The second stage, however, involves lying by side and

as contractions become more vigorous, lowering of hind quarters in a semi-

squatting position, standing on phalanges with the calcaneous bones pointed

almost straight up and wide apart; the entry of foetus into the pelvic canal is

signaled with groaning or crying of the queen. First kitten should appear within 60

minutes of onset of second stage with time interval of upto 60 minutes between

two successive births. Queening is usually completed in 2 to 6 hours but may

take 10 to 12 hours in older females (Laliberte, 1986).

INCIDENCE

The overall incidence of dystocia described for the bitch is 5 per cent

(Jackson, 1995). In a clinic report, it was 7.80% of gynaecolocial cases

presented (Deka et al., 2003), but it may be higher in some breeds of dogs

selected for large heads (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000). The breed

incidence of dystocia is difficult to comment. In one study, it was most common in

the Scottish Terrier followed by mongrels, Cocker Spaniels, Corgis, Bull dogs,

Pekingese, Boxers, Poodles, Chihuahua and Alsatians (Freak, 1962). In another

study (Bennur et al., 2001a), the incidence was highest in German Shepherd


(29.3%) followed by Pomeranian (17.3%), Boxers (13.3%) and Dachshund

(10.7%). Although, Christiansen (1984) and Schachtel (1972) claimed that

dystocia mainly occurs in the miniature breeds but Bennur et al., (2001a) noted

a higher incidence in medium and large sized breeds. The incidence is

considered to be highest in bitches aged 2-4 years (Bennur et al., 2001a;

Gaudet, 1985 and Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg, 1994). Dystocia comprised

18.2% of the total cases presented for reproductive therapy in our study (Mehta

et al., 2005). It appears that the reporting depends on the type of brood bitches

kept in a particular area. Darvelid (1993) and Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg (1994)

had therefore found no relationship between dystocia and breed or age in

bitches.

In the cat, the incidence of dystocia is known to be highest in the Persian

cat (Widmann Acanal, 1992, Ekstrand and Linde-Forsberg, 1994) followed by the

Siamese type and Devon Rex cats (Gunn Moore and Thrushfield, 1995).

CAUSES OF DYSTOCIA

Both maternal and fetal causes of dystocia have been described for the

bitch (Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg, 1994, Jackson, 1995), however, the maternal

causes appear to be more common (Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg, 1994). Uterine

inertia constitute the biggest maternal cause of dystocia in cat (Ekstrand, 1993)

and dog (Jackson, 1995) the incidence ranging from 36 to 72% of all cases in

dogs. Other maternal causes of dystocia include narrow bony birth canal, uterine

torsion, vaginal septum formation and hydroallantois. The fetal causes are less

common in the bitch and include fetal maldisposition, fetal oversize, fetal

malformation and fetal death (Jackson, 1995). Fetal postural abnormalities like

those of the limbs are seldom a cause of dystocia in the bitch. (Linde-Forsberg

and Eneroth, 2000). The incidence of maternal and fetal dystocia in the bitch is

75.3% and 24.7%, respectively (Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg, 1994). The total

incidence of dystocia in the cat is 5.8% (Gunn-Moore and Thrushfield, 1995)

whereas, the incidence of maternal dystocia is 83.6 and fetal 16.4% (Dejneka et


al., 1995), however, it was 67.1% maternal and 21.9% fetal in another study

(Moore and Thrushfield, 1995).

MATERNAL DYSTOCIA

The maternal causes of dystocia described in the bitch and cat include

uterine inertia, nervous voluntary inhibition of labor, narrow pelvic canal,

abnormal maternal soft structures and uterine abnormalities. The maternal

causes of dystocia are known to be common, comprising 75% of all cases in the

bitch (Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg, 1994; Stolla et al., 1999) and 67.0% of cases

in the cat (Ekstrand and Linde-Forsberg, 1994)

Uterine Inertia

Uterine inertia in the bitch has been described as primary and secondary

(Jackson, 1995) and partial or total. Yet another classification is primary uterine

inertia and a failure to progress (Johnston, 1986). The incidence of primary

complete and primary partial uterine inertia described for the bitch is 48.9% and

23.1% of the total dystocia cases (Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg, 1994). In

another study, the incidence of primary and secondary uterine inertia was 36.3%

and 49.8% (Stolla et al., 1999). For the cat, the incidence of uterine inertia

described is 60.6% (EIkstrand and Linde-Forsberg , 1994). It is considered that

bitches with primary uterine inertia are having normal calcium levels and show

no response to administration of calcium or oxytocin. The diagnosis of primary

uterine inertia is based on the knowledge of expected date of whelping and by

the bitch’s failure to initiate labor.

If rectal temperature is monitored twice daily, an abrupt prepartum

temperature drop can be detected in most pregnant bitches with onset of

whelping within 24 hours. In 40 canine pregnancies mean rectal temperature

drop was 104±0.2° F (0.8±0.1°C) and mean low prepartum rectal temperature

was 98.9±0.11° F (37.1±0.06°C) (Concannon et al., 1977b). The temperature

drop has been demonstrated to occur 10 to 14 hours following decline in plasma


progesterone to less than 2 ng/ml (Concannon et al., 1977a,b).Though the drop

is transient and returns to normal range before onset of whelping (Concannon et

al., 1977b)

A few commercially available kits (Canine Pregnancy Test Kit, Healthy

Pets, USA) can now diagnose pregnancy in the bitch as they predict the relaxin

levels which are considered to be altered in the pregnant bitch.

On physical examination, a bitch with primary uterine inertia is alert,

cervical dilation may be detected vaginoscopically in small to medium sized

bitches. A green tinged vaginal discharge [reddish in queens) (Rajesh and

Rajesh, 2002) with or without a mucous amniotic fluid may be present. Inertia

may be partial or complete (Freak, 1962). Inertia has been reported in the

Scottish Terrier (Freak, 1962) Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund (Barrett, 1949)

and many other breeds. It has been seen in bitches of five years and above

(Freak, 1975). Inertia has been observed to be a major cause of dystocia in

raccoon dogs in China (Liu et al., 1992). Uterine inertia is prevalent in miniature

and poodles, Dachshound, Pekingese, Boxers and Scotties (Bradney, 1969). It

is fairly common in many breeds including the Scottish Terrier and the probable

causes described include an inherited predisposition, fetal oversize and a faulty

nutrition at mating (Freak, 1962). Primary inertia may be incomplete in which

case expulsion of fetuses will be initiated but not completed (Freak, 1975). The

causes of inertia described include uterine muscular defects due to age, low

hormonal output and muscular stretching due to single oversized fetus (Freak,

1975).

Other causes of inertia described (Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000)

include failure of uterus to respond to fetal signals because of presence of one or

two puppies and thus, there is insufficient stimulation to initiate labor (the single

puppy syndrome) or because of overstretching of the myometrium by large litters,

excessive fetal fluids, or oversized fetuses. Other causes of primary inertia may

be an inherited predisposition, nutritional imbalance, fatty infiltration of the

myometrium, age related changes, deficiency in neuro endocrine regulation


(Linde-Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000) or systemic disease in the bitch.

Primary complete uterine inertia is the failure of the uterus to begin labor at full

term. Primary partial uterine inertia occurs when there is enough uterine activity

to initiate parturition but it is insufficient to complete a normal birth of all fetuses in

the absence of an obstruction.

Low fertility can result in primary inertia due to lower hormonal secretions

whereas, high fertility can result in inertia because of uterine distension (Freak,

1962). A bitch with an oversized fetus too large to enter the pelvis will often

inhibit whelping to prevent pain (Freak, 1975).

Secondary uterine inertia has been described for the bitch (Freak, 1962;

Jackson, 1995) and known to result because of muscular tiredness following

obstructive dystocia (Freak, 1962). It is considered to develop much more

readily in the bitch with a pre-existing partial primary inertia (Freak, 1962).

It is considered by a few authors that secondary uterine inertia results due

to muscle exhaustion of the uterus subsequent to delivery of a few fetuses

(Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000)

Management of dystocia

In cases of primary uterine inertia, the owners should initially be instructed

to try to induce straining by actively exercising the bitch (Linde-Forsberg and

Eneroth, 2000). Yet, another means of induction of straining in the bitch with

sufficient labor is byfeathering of the dorsal vaginal wall ((Linde-Forsberg and

Eneroth, 2000). Feathering is inserting two fingers into the vagina and pushing

with them against the dorsal vaginal wall, thus, inducing an episode of straining

(Bradney, 1969). The bitch with complete primary uterine inertia is bright and

alert, has a normal rectal temperature but shows no evidence of labor. The cervix

is often dilated, but the fetus is out of reach because of the flaccid uterus. Before

initiation of medical treatment, obstruction of the birth canal must be excluded.

Medical therapy advocated include calcium solutions, oxytocin and uterine

spasmolytics like vetrabutine hydrochloride. A spasmolytic is given to optimize


the effect of oxytocin and avoid uterine tetanus (Dreier, 1998). Excessive panting

during labor may result in metabolic disturbance of serum calcium levels. Even

slight decreases in serum calcium can result in inefficacy of muscle contractions

that may slow the progress of labour. However, because of potential dangers of

cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death that can follow intravenous administration

of calcium, it is only recommended when a bitch presents with clinical symptoms

of life threatening hypocalcaemia (indicated by muscle spasms, tetany, muscle

rigidity or seizures or if low calcium levels have been confirmed by laboratory

analysis, Davol, 2001a). In the absence of the above two, a subcutaneous

injection is suggested. Although, a few authors do not suggest administration of

calcium (Jackson et al, 1980). Other authors however, suggest a 10 per cent

calcium borogluconate 0.5 to 1.5 ml/kg body weight by slow infusion (Freak,

1962; 1975; Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000; Phogat et al., 1999). The

authors while treating inertia in 21 bitches (unpublished data) found a good effect

of administration of intravenous calcium and suggest calcium gluconate 5-10 ml

instead of calcium borogluconate because of the danger of toxicity of boron.

Since hypoglycaemia can rarely cause a similar picture (Freak, 1975; Freak,

1962; Jackson et al., 1980) and since small sized bitches are prone to

hypoglycaemia specially after prolonged straining (Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth,

2000), hence, a 5-10% solution (5-30 ml) must be given by slow IV infusion in

cases not responding to calcium therapy in a short time.

The recommended dose of oxytocin for the bitch is 10 to 12 IU and for

the queen 5 to 10 IU (Rajesh and Rajesh, 2002) given IV or 2.5 to 10 IU in case

of IM and 2 – 4 IU if administered S/C (Dejneka et al., 1995). Ten to fifty mg of

the uterine spasmolytic vertrabutine hydrochloride (MonzaldonTM) is suggested to

avoid the dangers of uterine tetanus (Dreier, 1998). It is suggested that oxytocin

can be repeated at 30 minutes (Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000; Phogat et al.,

1999) or 2 hours (Dreier, 1998), if there is no rise in rectal temperature and the

amniotic fluid is physiologically normal. The disadvantages of oxytocin include a

tendency to cause premature induction of placental separation and cervical


closure. If there is no response to treatment after a second administration of

oxytocin the puppies should be delivered without further delay either with the aid

of obstetric forceps or caesarean section (Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000).

Nervous voluntary inhibition of labor

Voluntary inhibition of labor forms a fairly large part of the total cases of

dystocia seen in the bitch (Freak, 1975) and it usually stems from a failure on the

part of the breeder to interpret the needs and wishes of the bitch correctly. Many

breeders will for convenience, bring their bitches indoors from the kennels to

whelp. Yet other bitches will refuse to whelp in quiet surroundings chosen for

them and will insist to go back to their original place near the constant presence

of their owners (Freak, 1962). The condition is reversible by allowing the bitch to

have her way and whelp in an accustomed surroundings with human interference

at a minimum (Freak, 1962).

The bitch with an oversized fetus too large to enter the pelvic cavity will

often inhibit to prevent pain whereas, the nervous primigravida may inhibit at the

stage where vulval tightness is the only barrier to normal delivery (Freak, 1975).

The management of voluntary inhibition of labor involves reassurance by the

owner or administration of a low dose of a tranquilizer in nervous bitches (Freak,

1948).

Narrow pelvic canal

Normal canine pelvis has a vertical diameter greater than the horizontal.

Congenitally narrow birth canal exists in some brachycephalic and terrier breeds;

in addition their fetuses have comparatively large heads and wide shoulders

which presents difficulty in the delivery of fetuses (Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth,

2000). Dorso flattening of pelvises is common in Scottish terrier and makes the

posterior presented fetus a hazard in this breed (Freak, 1975). Similarly, a lesser

inner pelvic area resulted in dystocia in the Boston terrier breed (Eneroth et al.,

1997). In the bull dog, the large, deep chest and pronounced waist causes the

gravid uterus to drop down. At whelping, the fetuses are presented at a relatively


acute angle to the pelvic inlet. The bull dogs sometimes also have slack

abdominal musculature, leading to insufficient uterine contractions and

abdominal straining to lift the fetus into pelvic cavity (Linde-Forsberg and

Eneroth, 2000). A narrowed pelvis can also result due to the presence of calluses

of previous pelvic immaturity or congenital malformation of the pelvis (Gehring

and Schurmann, 1975; Dejneka et al., 1995; Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000).

A narrow birth canal is known to comprise 1.1% of the dystocia in the bitch

(Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg, 1994) and 5.2% of the cases in the cat (Ekstrand

and Linde-Forsberg, 1994). The management of dystocia due to narrow pelvic

canal suggested is a conservative caesarean (Dreier, 1998).

Abnormal maternal soft structures

Soft tissue abnormalities such as neoplasms, vaginal septa or fibrosis of

the birth canal may cause obstructive dystocia (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth,

2000). Vaginal septum formation constituted 0.5% of the dystocia cases in

bitches in one study (Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg, 1994). The prepartum

relaxation of the vagina often will allow the passage of fetuses. Vaginal septa

may consist of remnants from the fetal mullerian duct system (Linde-Forsberg

and Eneroth, 2000). Persistence of a mullerian duct in the shape of a pillar of

tissue running from the vaginal roof to floor, posterior to the cervix, has been met

as a rare abnormality in the Scottish terrier (Freak, 1975). Septa can also occur

secondary to vaginal trauma or infection and if extensive, may prevent the

passage of the fetuses. Often, however, they are not so extensive and vaginal

relaxation may allow the fetuses to pass (Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000).

Hypoplasia or infantile tight vulva is rare and could constitute an indication for

episiotomy (Freak, 1975). Cervical or vaginal fibrosis is secondary to trauma or

inflammatory processes and in severe cases will cause dystocia (Linde Forsberg

and Eneroth, 2000). Cervical bands can result in dystocia in the bitch (Herr,

1978). Small tumours and septa may be removed by vaginal surgery but in

cases of fibrosis, surgery is seldom possible. In cases where puppies cannot be


delivered due to obstructive conditions of maternal soft structures a caesarean is

indicated.

Uterine abnormalities

Uterine abnormalities culminating in maternal dystocia include uterine

torsion, rupture, malposition hydroallantois and congenital malformations of the

uterus.

Uterine torsion and rupture

These acute life threatening conditions can occur during late pregnancy or

at the time of parturition (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000; Hajurka et al.,

2005). Bilateral uterine torsion has been reported in a bitch with cystic

endometrial hyperplasia (Kochar et al., 1996). The incidence of uterine torsion in

the bitch described in one study was 1.1% (Darvelid and Linde-Forsberg, 1994),

however, in the cat only sporadic cases are encountered (Kudale et al., 1972;

Fremann, 1988; Montgomery et al., 1989). The uterine torsion occurs around the

longitudinal axis near the bifurcation of the uterus, and thus displaces the other

horn, or there is torsion between the bifurcation and tip of the horn (Dreier, 1998).

The puppies that remain in utero die due to lack of oxygen and shock. An animal

in labor with torsion of the uterus is an absolute emergency. Torsions up to 360°

have been seen in the bitch (Dreier, 1998). Uterine ruptures can occur as a result

of oxytocin overdosing.

Clinical signs

A bitch with uterine torsion may have delivered one or more puppies and

has strong contractions without delivering any more puppies (Dreier, 1998).

The bitch demonstrates evidence of intense abdominal pain and

symptoms indicative of shock (Davol, 2001). The abdomen of the bitch is more

elongated on one side and on vaginal examinaton, the introduction of the vaginal

speculum is impossible because of the fold of the torsion.


In cases of uterine rupture, the bitch passes a heavy persistent fresh

blood from the vulvar lips. If the rupture is more towards the apex of the uterine

horn, the bitch may suddenly go down with drop in body temperature. Diagnosis

of deep internal ruptures can be done with x-ray or ultrasound but emergency

surgical therapy is more important (Dreier, 1998; Linde Forsberg and Eneroth,

2000).

Management

Both uterine torsion and rupture are an emergency and require immediate

medical therapy and surgical correction by laparotomy (Linde Forsberg and

Eneroth, 2000). Despite rapid surgery, the changes in uterus are usually so

severe that ovario hysterectomy can rarely be avoided (Dreier, 1998).

Uterine malposition

Malposition of uterus results from inguinal herniation usually detected

around 4 weeks of pregnancy and is diagnosed by visible disturbance in the

contour of abdomen (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000). The early stages can

sometimes be mistaken for mastitis of the rear mammary glands (Linde Forsberg

and Eneroth, 2000). The condition is corrected by repositioning of the uterus and

repair of hernia through laparotomy (Linde-Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000).

Congenital uterine malformations

Hypoplasia or aplasia of uterus or cervix are rare and cases of unilateral

uterine hypoplasia present clinically with a small litter size (Linde Forsberg and

Eneroth, 2000).

FOETAL DYSTOCIA

Foetal causes of dystocia described for the bitch include oversized

fetuses, malpresentation and rarely monstrosities (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth,

2000). Fetal causes of dystocia for the cat include malpresentations and

deformities (Ekstrand and Linde Forsberg, 1994; Gunn-Moore and Thrusfield,


1995; Dejneka et al., 1995). The incidence of fetal causes in bitch is 24.7%

(Darvelid and Linde Forsberg, 1994) and nearly similar incidence of 29.6% has

been shown for the cat (Ekstrand and Linde Forsberg, 1994).

Fetal oversize

A puppy weighing 4 to 5 per cent of the bitch is considered the upper limit

for an uncomplicated birth (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000). Fetal relative

oversize is a major cause of dystocia in the Scottish terrier breed (Freak, 1962).

For other breeds also it constitutes a major proportion (50%) of the fetal causes

of dystocia in the bitch (Bennur et al., 2001b). An absolute oversize of fetus is

common when single fetus is present (Freak, 1962). In breeds like the Boston

terrier, dystocia occurs from the combination of a flattened pelvic inlet and

puppies having a large head (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000). In dystocia

due to an oversized fetus, sometimes a portion of the fetus may protrude from

the vulva. In anterior presentation the head may come out, however, the

shoulders and chest cause obstruction, whereas in posterior presentation, the

hind limbs and hips may protrude (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000). The

incidence of fetal oversize in the cat is known to be low (1.9%) (Ekstrand and

Linde Forsberg, 1994). Attempts to relieve a dystocia would depend on the

location of the fetal parts, condition of the birth canal and condition of the bitch.

Single oversized pups and pups located beyond approach must be delivered by

caesarean section. Others may be manipulated by fingers and sometimes

delivered after proper lubrication.

Fetal malpresentations

Fetal malpresentations are less frequent in the bitch and cat because of

smaller size of the fetal extremities and the normalcy of posterior presentation

deliveries. However, their incidence is described to be around 15% both for bitch

(Darvelid and Linde Forsberg, 1994) and cat (Ekstrand and Linde Forsberg,

1994). Forty per cent of the canine deliveries occur in posterior presentation

(Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000). However, if the first pup is delivered in a


posterior presentation, it is likely to result in dystocia because of insufficient

mechanical dilation achieved by the absence of a fetal head. In one study, the

main reason for fetal dystocia was seen to be fetal malpresentation in the bitch

(Darvelid and Linde Linde-Forsberg, 1994) as well as in cats (Ekstrand and

Linde-Forsberg 1994; Linde-Forsberg, 1994). Although in another study, fetal

malpresentation was not seen to be a cause of fetal dystocia in the cat (Dejneka

et al., 1995). A high rate of malposition and malposture are seen in dead fetuses

because in a fetus dying before it is presented, rotation and extension of the

head and limbs rarely occurs (Freak, 1962),

Besides posterior presentation the most common malpresentation seen in

the bitch is lateral or downward deviation of the head (Linde Forsberg and

Eneroth, 2000). The incidence is considered to be 25% of all fetal causes

(Bennur et al., 2001a). Lateral deviation is most common with long necked

breeds such as rough collies, whereas downward deviation is seen in

brachycephalic breeds and long head breeds such as Sealyham and Scottish

terriers (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000).

The other less common malpresenatations described include breech

presentation (Bennur et al., 2001a; Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000),

backward flexion of front legs (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000) transverse or

bicornate presentation (Linde-Linde-Forsberg and Eneroth, 2000; Dreier, 1998)

and two fetuses presented simultaneously. Breech presentation can be a serious

problem in the medium and small sized bitches. However, pups with one or both

front legs flexed can be delivered with ease in large sized bitches. A fetus

passing from one horn to the cervix during delivery may accidentally pass to the

other horn and results in bicornate presentation (Linde Forsberg and Eneroth,

2000).

Management of fetal malpresentations

If a fetus is present in the birth canal, manipulation by hand or by obstetric

forceps may be attempted. Obstetric for ceups with better grip as the one used in


human obstetrics need to be designed for canine obstetric use. In bitches of

giant breeds, it may be sometimes possible to insert one hand through the

vagina into the uterus and thus extract the puppy. If the fetus has advanced into

and partly through the pelvic canal, it will create a characteristic bulge of the

perineal region, below the tail. Obstetric forceps can be used for grasping fetal

head or fetal pelvis after sufficient lubrication and avoiding vaginal wall. It must

be assessed if fetuses can be delivered per vaginum otherwise caesarean must

be performed immediately. It has been seen that digital manipulation including

forceps delivery and/or medical treatment for dystocia is successful in only 27.6

per cent of the cases (Darvelid and Linde Linde-Forsberg, 1994). When

attempting assisted delivery, if progress is not evident within 10 minutes, fetuses

should be monitored for distress. Any evidence of fetal compromise

contraindicates further attempts for vaginal delivery and caesarnean is

recommended. En bloc ovariohysterectomy before hysterotomy has been

suggested for dystocia in dog and cat (Robbins and Mullen, 1994).

Fetal monstrosity

Fetal monstrosity is a relatively infrequent cause of dystocia in dogs and

cats, however, hydrocephalus (Freak, 1962), incomplete development of brain

and skull (Freak, 1962), fetal anasarca (Chakurkar and Arle, 1992; Sharma et al.,

2001) and Cyclopia (Jayaprakash et al., 2001) have been reported for the b itch

and fetal malformations (Ekstrand, 1993) hydrocephalus and schistosoma

reflexus (Dejneka et al., 1995) have been seen in the cat. When medical therapy

or assisted vaginal delivery does not seen to deliver the pup, caesarean delivery

is the recommended course of action. Breeds like the Hunt Terrier, Border Terrier

and Lucas Terrier resent interference to such degree that assisted puppies and

caesarean puppies are seldom accepted by the bitch and the whole litter is killed

by the bitch under such circumstances (Freak, 1962).


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Dystocia and Its Management in the Bitch and Cat

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