Dystocia/C-Section Decision Making

Question 1

When should one intervene with regard to contractions?

Answer 1

Strong unproductive contractions >30 minutes (if approaching this then get the dog to the practice)
Weak, irregular contractions for >4h

Question 2

When should one intervene with regard to passing of foetal fluids?

Answer 2

Clear fluids passed > 3h without birth

Green or red-brown without imminent delivery

Question 3

When should one intervene with regard to stages of labour and the dam’s health?

Answer 3

Previous foetus passed >4h.
Signs of stage I labour >24h
Signs of 2nd stage >12h
Temperature <37.2 > 24h ago. 
The dam seems unwell!

Question 4

What should prompt surgical intervention with dystocia?

Answer 4

Caesarian is never the wrong thing to do, whereas waiting to do a caesarian may be the wrong thing to do! Things to consider:

• Obstruction is present
• Foetal distress is present
• Dam is in poor health
• Medical management has failed