Dystocia (Difficulty Giving Birth)

Dystocia (abnormal or difficult birth) is a common problem. To understand and identify dystocia, you need to first be familiar with what is considered normal birth and pregnancy.

Gestation in the female dog and the female cat is approximately 63 days from the time of ovulation; however, it can vary from 58 to 70 days. During this period, you should make regular visits to your veterinarian for evaluation of the mother's progress.

When it is time, the birth will occur through three stages. (This is a brief overview of the labor process and variations are possible.)

• Stage 1 Labor - During this period which can last 6-24 hours, the female dog will become anxious, restless, stop eating, begin nesting and her temperature will drop to about 99° F. Female cats may become restless; however, they tend to become more vocal. This phase ends with complete dilation of the cervix.
• Stage 2 Labor - This stage begins with the complete dilation of the cervix and entry of the fetus into the birth canal. This is the stage in which the puppies or kittens are born. The mother will show obvious abdominal contractions and straining. Typically, a fetus should be delivered within 1-2 hours. Afterwards the mother may rest up to 4 hours. A problem should be suspected if the female dog is actively straining for greater than 30 minutes with no expulsion of a fetus or if the resting phase goes beyond 4 hours.
• Stage 3 Labor - This stage begins after the delivery of the fetus and includes the passing of the placenta.

The diagnosis or determination of dystocia is multifactoral. It can include 1 or more of the following:

• Persistent straining and or abdominal contractions greater than 30-60 minutes without delivery of a pup/ kitten noted
• Greater than 4 hours from the onset of stage 2 to the delivery of the first offspring
• Failure to deliver 24 hours after the temperature decrease is noted i.e. - progression of stage 1 to stage 2 labor
• If the mother is crying in pain or excessively licking her vulva
• Gestation/pregnancy greater than 70 days from first mating
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge or excessive bleeding
• If the mother is vomiting, lethargic, or has a fever

If you note any of these changes, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Dystocia can be divided into maternal and fetal causes.

Maternal causes include:

• A narrow pelvic canal (trauma-related or congenital)
• Insufficient dilation of the cervix
• Problems with the uterus including weak contractions or twisting of the uterine horns
• Exhaustion of the bitch

Fetal causes include:

• An oversized fetus (more commonly occurs with small litter sizes)
• Fetal positioning (it is normal for a fetus to be born head or feet first)
• Fetal death