Small Animal Obstetrics

Question 1

Define: Stage I (Canine/Feline)

Answer 1

Synchronous uterine contractions leading to complete cervical dilation

Question 2

Clinical Signs: Stage I (Canine)

Answer 2

Anorexia, restlessness, panting, shivering, “nesting”

Question 3

Timing: Stage I (Canine)

Answer 3

6-12h

Question 4

Clinical Signs: Stage I (Feline)

Answer 4

Restless, nesting, panting, vocalizing

Question 5

Timing: Stage I (Feline)

Answer 5

1-24h

Question 6

Define: Stage II (Canine/Feline)

Answer 6

Puppies/kittens moving through birth canal

Question 7

Timing: Stage II (Canine)

Answer 7

Usually delivered every 30-60m
Up to 2h between can be normal
Usually complete in 6h, can extend up to 24h

Question 8

Timing: Stage II (Feline)

Answer 8

First kitten typically delivered within 60m of onset
Usually delivered every 30-60m
Extended delivery more common

Question 9

Define: Stage III (Canine/Feline)

Answer 9

Expulsion of fetal membrane
Often occurs during stage II
Pass with puppies or within 15m

Question 10

What is the most common (non-obstructive) cause of dystocia in the bitch?

Answer 10

Primary Uterine Inertia

Question 11

Define: Primary Uterine Inertia

Answer 11

Failure of uterus to begin labor at full term

Question 12

Define: Secondary Uterine Inertia

Answer 12

Continued uterine contractions fail to expel fetuses
Uterine musculature eventually fails
Caused by obstruction of the birth canal

Question 13

Normal Presentation

Answer 13

Cranial longitudinal

Question 14

Normal Position

Answer 14

Dorsosacral

Question 15

Normal Posture

Answer 15

Forelimbs extended

Question 16

What are the criteria for dystocia diagnosis?

Answer 16

Stage II contractions w/ no delivery in 30m
>2h between delivery of fetuses
Presence of uteroverdin w/o delivery of subsequent pup
>4h after onset of weak contractions and no pups
Systemic illness/collapse
Prolonged gestation
Fetal distress
Partial birth

Question 17

All pregnancies are prolonged if >____d post-breeding

Answer 17

72d

Question 18

What HRs are considered fetal distress?

Answer 18

Normal = 180-220bpm
Distress = 150-180bpm
ER = <150bpm
Poor/grave prognosis = <100bpm

Question 19

How is prolonged gestation determined?

Answer 19

> 66d post LH peak
64d post ovulation
60d after onset of cytologic diestrus
12-24h post drop in progesterone to <2ng/ml

Question 20

What does it mean if the Ferguson reflex is not present in terms of dystocia treatment?

Answer 20

No reflex = medical management won’t be effective

Question 21

Define: Mild Dystocia

Answer 21

Question 22

Define: Severe Dystocia

Answer 22

Question 23

Tx: Mild Dystocia

Answer 23

Manipulative intervention
Medical therapy
C-section

Question 24

Function: Oxytocin

Answer 24

Uterine contraction action
Don’t use if p is already contracting

Question 25

Tx: Severe Dystocia

Answer 25

Surgical intervention

Question 26

What are the primary factors of dystocia in cats?

Answer 26

Stress/fear
Torsion/rupture/adhesion

Question 27

What is the most common cause of dystocia in the feline?

Answer 27

Primary uterine inertia

Question 28

Feline Medical Intervention

Answer 28

Almost never works
Do not attempt unless you are prepared for surgical intervention

Question 29

What hormone is declining during normal parturition?

Answer 29

Progesterone

Question 30

What are the chances for complete success of medical dystocia management in dogs?

Answer 30

28% chance