Parturition

Question 1

What happens to rectal temperature 8-24 hours before parturition?

Answer 1

Drops 1-3 degrees C

Question 2

What are the major signs of onset of parturition?

Answer 2

• nest making
• shivering/shaking, restlessness
• loss of appetite
• enlargement of vaginal lips, licking genital area
• obvious mammary development

Question 3

How long should there be between births?

Answer 3

15-60 minutes, plus rest time

Question 4

What happens in the first stage?

Answer 4

Uterus begins to contract and cervix dilates, signs/behaviours don’t differ from onset

Question 5

What happens in the second stage?

Answer 5

Birth of the puppy

Question 6

What happens in the third stage?

Answer 6

Expulsion of the placenta and foetal membranes

Question 7

When/what is the 4th stage?

Answer 7

• Puerperium (After birth) is 4-6 weeks post-parturition
• Uterine involution (shrinking) and bleeding for 1 week
• Dam return to normal temperature
• Reproductive tract returns to normal

Question 8

What is dystocia?

Answer 8

Obstructed labour

Question 9

List some foetal reasons for dystocia.

Answer 9

• Foetal abnormalities (hydrops fetalis, anasarca, hydrocephalis, twins)
• Abnormal foetal position (e.g. foetus entering other uterine, blocking entrance to uterine body)

Question 10

List some maternal reasons for dystocia.

Answer 10

• Uterine inertia (primary or secondary)
• Herniation or rupture
• Adhesions and torsions
• Birth canal abnormalities (steep pelvic floor, vaginal abnormalities, vulvar oedema)

Question 11

What is primary uterine inertia?

Answer 11

Where contractions are absent

Question 12

What is secondary uterine inertia?

Answer 12

Where contractions begin, but cease later on - due to exhaustion of uterine muscles

Question 13

When should puppies eyes open?

Answer 13

Days 10-14

Question 14

When should kittens eyes open?

Answer 14

Days 8-10

Question 15

How often should hand-reared puppies/kittens be fed?

Answer 15

Every 2 hours during day and night for the first 3 weeks

Question 16

What 3 things are important to do with new kittens/puppies?

Answer 16

Vaccination, worming, registration