Dystocia (Difficult Birth) in Dogs

Overview of Canine Dystocia – Difficult Birth in Dogs

The act of delivering puppies, or whelping, is usually a natural process for dogs, but there are occasions when normal birth is difficult or even impossible. Dystocia, or difficult or abnormal birth, is a common problem in veterinary medicine. If your dog is about to make you the proud owner of a litter of puppies, you should acquaint yourself with the normal birth process. Otherwise, it will be difficult to determine when and if there is a problem.

Canine labor occurs in two stages. Stage I lasts 6 to 12 hours; your dog will exhibit nesting behavior and her temperature will drop. She will be having contractions, although you won’t be able to see them. What you may see is that she is restless and may be panting. During Stage II, the fetuses will begin to move through the birth canal. Your dog will experience obvious straining and involuntary contraction of the abdominal muscles.

If you suspect that the mother-to-be is not progressing through labor as expected, it is important that you call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency facility.

When To Call Your Veterinarian

You should call your veterinarian for assistance in the following instances:

Causes of Canine Dystocia

Causes of delivery problems are divided into those problems associated with the mother and those that are associated with the babies.

Maternal Causes of Dystocia in Dogs

Puppy Causes of Dystocia in Dogs

Diagnosis of of Dystocia in Dogs

Determining when to intervene in a pregnancy is based on your description of how labor has been progressing. But your veterinarian will also want to examine your dog to determine the cause of the dystocia and the appropriate treatment.

First your veterinarian will do a physical examination, including a vaginal exam, to determine whether the pups can move through the birth canal. An x-ray to determine the size, shape and number of pups may also be necessary. This x-ray is not harmful to the mother or babies.

Treatment of of Dystocia in Dogs

If your veterinarian feels the pups can move through the birth canal, there are a variety of medications available to assist labor.

If easy passage is not possible, or if medical treatment is not effective, your veterinarian will deliver the pups by Cesarean section. After surgical delivery, the mother can still nurse and care for her newborns.

Home Care

If your dog is experiencing dystocia, there is little you can do to help. Keep the mother-to-be in a quiet area with no distractions and call your veterinarian. Monitor labor carefully to detect any abnormalities. If you should find a baby stuck in the canal, apply steady gentle traction to pull the baby out. If there is any question about the progression of labor, contact your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency facility.

Preventative Care

There is little that can be done to prevent dystocia. Detecting problems early and getting prompt veterinary assistance will give you and the mother the best chance of delivering live healthy babies.