Primary maternal dystocia

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Sex predisposition, Cost considerations, Special risks (e.g. anesthetic), Pathogenesis, Etiology, Predisposing factors, Pathophysiology, Timecourse (incubation, duration), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Prevention, Prophylaxis, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Mushtaq Memon BVSc PhD DipACT

Introduction

  • Primary dystocia is due to inability of the uterus to contract and initiate whelping.
  • Cause : presence of a single puppy Dystocia or in rare cases, failure of the uterus to contract because of hypocalcemia Puerperal tetany.
  • It is not nearly as common as secondary uterine inertia, ie inertia due to uterine fatigue complicated by mild hypocalcemia.
  • Signs : failure to initiate labor.
  • Diagnosis : signs, calculation of the due date.
  • Treatment : oxytocin and calcium or caesarean delivery.
  • Prognosis : good if prompt treatment.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • The onset of vaginal epithelial cell crenation or vulvar flaccidity.
  • Live puppies detected but no onset of parturition.
  • Bitch may have milk.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Due date miscalculated.
  • Secondary uterine inertia Dystocia.
    • Uterine fatigue.
    • Pseudopregnancy Pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy or pseudocyesis).

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Good if prompt treatment.
  • Delayed recognition or treatment can → fetal loss.

Expected response to treatment

  • Parturition induced by calcium and oxytocin treatment.

Sources

Publications

Other sources of information

  • Feldman & Nelson (1996) Dystocia. In: Canine & Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction.W B Saunders, Philadelphia. pp 578-587.

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