Parturition

Question 1

What is stage 1 of parturition?

Answer 1

1. uterin contracations, cerivical dilation
2. contracions not visible externally
3. restless, nervous, anorexic
4. trembles and shivers
5. most characteristic is panting
6. occasionally omiting
7. pacing, nesting
8. lasts 6-12hrs

Question 2

What is stage II of parturition?

Answer 2

more active contractions
fetus passes through cervix and vagina
3-6hr up to 24hr
fetus in cervix stimulates ferguson’s reflex, oxytocin release and strengthens uterus and abdominal contractions
bitch can voluntarily inhibit stage 2
chorioallantois ruptures during passage
puppies delivered every 0.5-1hr
iregular and may rest 1-2 hrs before deliveries
bitch will remove membranes (in amnion), sever cord and lick vigourously and consume placenta

Question 3

What is ferguson’s reflex?

Answer 3

where fetus in cervix stimuates oxytocin spike that strengthens uterine and abdominal contractions

Question 4

When is assistance needed with stage II?

Answer 4

> 5hrs or longer for first pup to be born
more than 2 hrs between pups
(most puups delivered 20-60min apart)

Question 5

What is stage III

Answer 5

placentas are expelled immediately after delivery of individual pup or 5-15min after
(or have a pup from each horn then two placentas)
bitch allowed to eat the placenta

Question 6

What are two categories of dystocia?

Answer 6

1. maternal

2. etal

Question 7

What are fetal cuases of dystocia/

Answer 7

A. malpresentation
1. shoulder flexion
2. lateral deviation of the head left and right
3. large head–brachycephalic
4. two fetuses presented together
5. transvers or bi-cornual presentation
B. increased size of puppy
(single, prolonged gestation, smal liter size, genetic, broad head/shoulders)
C. abnormal development (weird ones, fetal death)

Question 8

How can puppies present (normally)

Answer 8

cranial

caudal (normal!)

Question 9

What is breech posture?

Answer 9

caudal but hind legs under body

Question 10

What is dog sitting/shoulder flexion

Answer 10

legs under the dogs body

Question 11

What are maternal causes of dystocia

Answer 11

1. abnormalities of uterus
   A. primary uterine inertia is most common with obesity being a common cause (genetic, overstretching, hormonal, calcium deficiency, voluntary inhibition)
   B. secondary uterine distocia
   C. abnormal position (torsion, herniation)
   D. uterine rupture, trauma, tumor, placentitis, adhesions
2. small pelvic size (breed, age, trauma, neopllasia, development, nutritional)
3. abnormalities of caudal reproductive tract
   A. cervix (inflam, hormonal, congenital defect)
   B. vaginal/vestibule (many)
   C. vulva
4. abnormal expulsionn due to nonuterine causes (weird stuff–e.g. that doesn’t allow adequate abdominal contractions–ruptured diaphragm, perforated trachea), obesity!

Question 12

What are reasons for c section?

Answer 12

oversize puppies

many puppies remaining in utero (also oxytocin)

Question 13

What can you do if there are 4 or fewer pups remainina nd a nonobstructed birth canal what can you try before C section

Answer 13

oxytocin (not more than 6IU)
repeat if necessary (not more than every 45min)
consider calcium gluconate and/or glucose to support uterine contraction
if no pup born after 3 min, consider C section!

Question 14

when does pseudopregnancy occur?

Answer 14

during diestrus

Question 15

What is pseudopregnancy?

Answer 15

a display of maternal behavior and some physical signs compatible with pregnancy in a non pregnant diestrus animal

Question 16

What is the mechanism of pseudopregnancy?

Answer 16

decrease in progesterone results in prolactin increase and may result in signs

Question 17

What are the clinical signs of pseudopregnancy?`

Answer 17

mammary gland enlargement
lactation
personality change
abdominal distention
vomiting, depression, anorexia

Question 18

How do you diagnose pseudopregnancy?

Answer 18

1. history of nonbreeding
2. radiographs after 42 days–after estrus, or cytologic diestrus
3. ulltrasound
4. relaxin–not high like a preg dog

Question 19

What is the treatment for pseudopregnancy?

Answer 19

1. nothing
2. care of mammary gland
3. tranquilizers, not phenothiazines
4. testosterone
5. megestrol acetate
6. bromocryptine (parlodel)
7. cabergoline (dostinex)

Question 20

What can phenothiazines do in a pseudopreg dog?

Answer 20

increase prolactin levels

Question 21

What is usually the best treatment for pseudopreg dogs?

Answer 21

leave alone or treat symptomatically

Question 22

What is the prevention for pseudopregnancy?

Answer 22

ovariohysterectomy