Pregnancy Labour & Problems

Indicators of Dystocia - when you should phone the vet. BITCH 

Before delivery of the first puppy:

More than 68 days from day of last mating, no signs of impending parturition

More than 24-36hrs from rectal temperature drop, no signs of impending parturition

Rectal temperature has returned to normal, no signs of impending parturition

Passing of foetal fluids before onset of abdominal straining

Persistent abdominal straining for more than 30 minutes without delivery of a puppy

Intermittent abdominal straining for more than 4 hrs without delivery of a puppy

Green vaginal discharge (beginning of placental separation)

After delivery of the first puppy:

More than 2 hrs since the birth of the last puppy

Persistent abdominal straining for more than 30 minutes without delivery of a puppy

Abnormal: foul smelling, or bloody vaginal discharge

Presence of a puppy stuck in the birth canal

Maternal compromise (persistent whining or crying, abnormal posture, apathy, tremor, breathing difficulties)

QUEEN 

Before delivery of the first kitten:

More than 69 days from day of last mating with no signs of impending parturition

Intermittent abdominal straining for more than 2 hrs without delivery of a kitten

Haemorrhagic vaginal discharge

Passage of foetal fluids before onset of abdominal straining

Persistent abdominal straining for more than 5 minutes without delivery of a kitten

After delivery of the first kitten:

More than 2 hrs since the birth of the last kitten

Queen does not take care of her offspring

Persistent abdominal straining for more than 5 minutes without delivery of a kitten 

Abnormal foul smelling, or haemorrhagic vaginal discharge 

Presence of a kitten stuck in the birth canal (a kitten which protrudes from the vulva should be delivered within 3 to 5 minutes) 

Maternal compromise