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MODULE 19 - Reproduction and Fertility > REPRODUCTION - Pregnancy and Parturition > Flashcards

REPRODUCTION - Pregnancy and Parturition Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the gestation period in the bitch?

A

63 days

Be aware larger litters have shorter gestation periods

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2
Q

How can you diagnose pregnancy in the bitch?

A

Abdominal palpation
Ultrasound
Radiography
Relaxin ELISA

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3
Q

When are you able to diagnose pregnancy in the bitch with abdominal palpation?

A

You can diagnose pregnancy in the bitch with abdominal palpation from 28 - 35 days

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4
Q

When is the foetal heartbeat detectable in the bitch with ultrasound?

A

You can detect the foetal heartbeat in the bitch from 24 - 28 days

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5
Q

When are you able to diagnose pregnancy in the bitch with radiography?

A

You can diagnose pregnancy in the bitch with radiography from day 42

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6
Q

What are the pros and cons of using radiography for pregnancy diagnosis?

A

Radiography is the most accurate way to determine the number of foetuses through counting the skeletons, however you need to consider if the dam will lie still and the risks of exposing a pregnant animal to radiation

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7
Q

When can a relaxin ELISA be used to diagnose pregnancy in the bitch?

A

Relaxin ELISA can be used from 3 - 4 weeks post mating. This ELISA can often exhibit early negatives so if you get a negative result, retest in 5 - 6 days

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8
Q

What is the gestation period in the queen?

A

65 days

Be aware larger litters have shorter gestation periods

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9
Q

How can you diagnose pregnancy in the queen?

A

Abdominal palpation
Ultrasound
Radiography
Relaxin ELISA

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10
Q

When are you able to diagnose pregnancy in the queen with abdominal palpation?

A

You can diagnose pregnancy in the bitch with abdominal palpation from 21 - 35 days

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11
Q

When is the foetal heartbeat detectable in the queen with ultrasound?

A

You can detect the foetal heartbeat in the queen from 30 days

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12
Q

When are you able to diagnose pregnancy in the queen with radiography?

A

You can diagnose pregnancy in the queen with radiography from day 40

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13
Q

When can a relaxin ELISA be used to diagnose pregnancy in the queen?

A

Relaxin ELISA can be used from 3 - 4 weeks post mating. This ELISA can often exhibit early negatives so if you get a negative result, retest in 5 - 6 days

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14
Q

Which physiological changes occur within the mother during pregnancy?

A

Increased blood volume
Increased cardiac output
Increased oxygen consumption
Reduced functional residual capacity of the lung
Delayed gastric emptying

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15
Q

Why can pregnant animals appear anaemic on haematology?

A

Pregnant animals can appear anaemic on haematology as though they have an increase in blood volume, this is mainly of the plasma so the PCV can appear lower than normal

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16
Q

How should nutrition be altered for pregnant bitches?

A

Pregnant bitches should be fed normal food for the first 40 days as she will gain minimal weight during this time. Then change to puppy food (as this is more calorific), feeding several small meals a day and increasing this by 10% every week

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17
Q

How should nutrition be altered for pregnant queens?

A

Pregnant queens have linear weight gain throughout pregnancy and thus should be fed kitten food (as this is more calorific) from mating, feeding several small meals a day or providing meals ad lib

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18
Q

What is the worming protocol for pregnant bitches?

A

Bitches should be being treated with anthelmintics prior to mating, and then receive daily high dose fenbendazole from 3 weeks (40 days) pre-partum until 2 days post partum. This is to try and reduce the risk of toxocara canis

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19
Q

What is the worming protocol for puppies?

A

Treat the puppies with anthelmintics from 2 weeks old

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20
Q

What is the worming protocol for pregnant queens?

A

Queens should be treated with anthelmintics prior to mating, and then wormed with a single dose of fenbendazole during pregnancy

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21
Q

What is the worming protocol for kittens?

A

Treat the kittens with anthelmintics from 2 weeks old

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22
Q

What should you advise owners prior to parturition?

A

Get a whelping/kittening box
Signs of parturition
Discuss all possible complications
If mother doesn’t allow neonates to feed, be aware you will have to hand feed them
Provide information/handouts

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23
Q

Which key changes occur prior to parturition?

A

Behavioural changes
Decline in body temperature

Advise owners to be taking their pet’s temperature at home

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24
Q

Which behavioural changes occur prior to parturition?

A

Restlessness
Nesting
Anorexia
Shivering
Lactation

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25
When does the decline in temperature occur?
The decline in temperature occurs approximately 8 - 24 hours prior to parturition due to the decline in progesterone
26
How low can the temperature decline in small breeds prior to parturition?
The temperature can drop as low as 35°C prior to parturition
27
How low can the temperature decline in large breeds prior to parturition?
The temperature can drop as low as 37°C prior to parturition
28
What triggers parturition?
Parturition is triggered by the release of foetal cortisol which triggers the release of prostaglandin F2α which lyses the corpus luteum, stopping progesterone prodction. This softens the cervix and triggers myometrial contractions. As the foetuses put pressure on the cervix, this triggers the Ferguson reflex, which is a neuroendocrine reflex that stimulates the release of oxytocin which will trigger myometrial and abdominal contractions
29
How long does the first stage of parturition last in the bitch?
6 - 12 hours
30
What occurs during the first stage of parturition in the bitch?
The bitch will be restless, nesting and panting. Uterine contractions will begin, however there will be no abdominal contractions yet, and the cervix will begin to dilate. Often the bitch will vomit due to the release of prostaglandin F2α
31
How long does the second stage of parturition last in the bitch?
3 - 6 hours
32
What occurs during the second stage of parturition in the bitch?
The rectal temperature will return to normal, and there will be uterine and visible abdominal contractions. The cervix will be fully dilated and there will be visible discharge. The puppies will begin to be expelled, with around 30 - 60 minutes between each puppy
33
How long does the third stage of parturition last in the bitch?
Less than 15 minutes
34
What occurs during the third stage of parturition in the bitch?
The placentas will be expelled either after each puppy is born or all of them will be expelled at the end of parturition. The bitch will eat the placentas
35
Why should you discourage the bitch from eating too many placentas?
You should discourage the bitch from eating too many placentas as this can result in gastrointestinal upset
36
How long is stage one of parturition in the queen?
6 - 12 hours
37
What occurs during stage one of parturition in the queen?
The queen will be restless, nesting and vocalising. Uterine contractions will begin, however there will be no abdominal contractions yet, and the cervix will begin to dilate
38
What occurs during the second stage of parturition in the queen?
The rectal temperature will return to normal, and there will be uterine and visible abdominal contractions. The cervix will be fully dilated and there will be visible discharge. The kittens will begin to be expelled, with around 30 - 60 minutes between each kitten
39
What is a unique feature of parturition which can occur in the queen?
Queens can suspend their parturition for up to 48 hours if disturbed. This process has no apparent complications and the queens will resume parturition as normal
40
How long does the third stage of parturition last in the queen?
Less than 15 minutes
41
What occurs during the third stage of parturition in the queen?
The placentas will be expelled either after each kitten is born or all of them will be expelled at the end of parturition. The queen will eat the placentas
42
What are the indicators of dystocia *(the patient should be taken to a vet at this point)*?
1. Stage two labour with mild/intermittent straining for 2 - 3 hours, with no neonate expelled 2. Stage two labour with strong/frequent straining for over 30 minutes, with no neonate expelled 3. More than 4 hours since the last neonate was expelled 4. Foetal fluid passed however nothing else has been expelled for 2 - 3 hours 5. Greenish discharge however no neonates been expelled for 2 - 4 hours 6. Green/black/bloody discharge with no neonate expelled 7. Slow or absent foetal heartbeats on ultrasound
43
When would a foetal heartbeat be classifed as 'low'?
Foetal heartbeat of less than 150bpm
44
What are the maternal factors which can result in dystocia?
Uterine inertia Narrow pelvic canal Uterine torsion Hypoglycaemia Hypocalcaemia
45
What can cause a narrow pelvic canal?
Trauma Breed conformation
46
What is the most common cause of dystocia in small animals?
Uterine inertia
47
What is uterine inertia?
Uterine inertia is the failure of uterine contraction during parturition, in the absence of obstruction
48
What is primary uterine inertia?
Primary uterine inertia is when there is a failure to begin stage two or parturition
49
What is secondary uterine inertia?
Secondary uterine inertia is where failure of uterine contraction during the second stage of parturition
50
What are the foetal factors that can result in dystocia?
Malpresentation Malformation Foetal oversize Foetal death
51
How do you diagnose dystocia?
History Clinical examination Diagnostic imaging Blood sampling
52
Which history questions are beneficial to ask when investigating dystocia?
1. When was the breeding date? 2. When did she ovulate? 3. Has she had a previous parturition? If so were there any complications/dystocia? 4. Has she had any previous trauma? *(think pelvic trauma can result in narrowing and dystocia)* 5. Have you been monitoring her temperature? Has it declined and when? 6. What breed was the stud/male?
53
Which factors should you assess during a focused clinical examination when investigating dystocia?
Thorough general clinical examination Rectal temperature Vaginal examination Assess the parturition for signs of dystocia
54
What should you assess during the vaginal examination when investigating dystocia?
Vaginal discharge Feathering/Ferguson reflex Assess for stuck foetuses
55
How can you check the feathering/Ferguson reflex?
To check the feathering/Ferguson reflex, put firm pressure on the dorsal surface of the vestibulovaginal wall
56
What should you check on ultrasound when investigating dystocia?
Foetal heart rate Foetal position
57
What should you check on radiography when investigating dystocia?
Foetal size Foetal position
58
Which blood parameters should you assess in patient's with dystocia?
PCV/TS Calcium Glucose
59
What do you need to determine before proceeding with dystocia intervention?
You need to determine if the dystocia is obstructive or non obstructive as this will alter your treatment plan
60
How can you manage obstructive dystocia?
Manual intervention Caesarean section
61
What should you be aware of if using manual intervention to try and correct an obstructive dystocia?
Be aware there is a risk of uterine rupture, damage to the dam and foetuses and this procedure is very challenging in small patients
62
How can you manage non-obstructive dystocia?
Administer calcium gluconate to strengthen the uterine contractions, followed by administering oxytocin to increase the frequency of the contractions. You can give up to three doses of oxytocin. If the dam is still not passing foetuses, do a caesarean section
63
What are the indicators for caesarean section?
Dystocia unamenable or unresponsive to medical management Foetal distress Elective caesarean section
64
What are some of the common reasons people opt for elective caesarean sections?
Brachycephalics *(as they cannot whelp naturally)* Large foetuses Previous pelvic trauma/anatomical abnormality Owner preference
65
What pre-operative prep should you do prior to a caesarean section?
1. Have all equipment ready, i.e. towels ready, suture to tie off the umbilicus etc. 2. Make sure to have lots of people available 3. Gain IV access 4. IV fluids if indicated 5. Pre-clip the dam before induction 6. Premedication 7. Position the dam tilted slightly to the left 8. Aim to begin surgery as soon as possible after induction
66
Why is it important to position the dam slightly to the left for a caesarean section?
Positioning the dam slightly to the left reduces the pressure on the caudal vena cava to try and prevent comprimising venous return and cardiac output
67
Why should you aim to start surgery as soon as possible after induction for a caesarean?
You should aim to start surgery as soon as possible after induction to reduce foetal respiratory distress
68
How do you carry out a caesarean section?
1. Ventral midline laparotomy from midway between the xiphoid and umbilicus to the pubis 2. Take care as the linea alba will be very thin and stretched 3. Gently exteriorise the uterine horns 4. Make a ventral midline incision into the body of the uterus (hysterotomy), be careful not to cut the foetuses 5. Remove the most caudal foetus first and then remove the foetuses from altering uterine horns through 'milking' the puppies to the hysterotomy 6. Gently grasp the foetuses and remove them from the uterus, clamping the umbilicus and giving the puppy to an assistant 7. Use gentle traction to remove the placenta. However, if the placenta is firmly attached leave it in situ and it will be expelled post operatively 8. Carefully assess the uterus from the ovary to the pelvic inlet to make sure there are no more puppies 9. If the uterine involution hasn't started prior to closure, administer oxytocin 10. Suture the uterine body with an inverting pattern using monofilament absorbable material (such as PDS), making sure to engage the submucosa as this is your strength holding layer 11. Carefully check the uterus and sutures 12. Flush the abdomen with 100 - 200ml/kg of warm saline 13. Routine abdominal and skin closures *(make sure to do intradermals as the mother will be nursing)*
69
What are the indicators for an ovariohysterectomy immediately following a caesarean section?
Severe uterine trauma Prevent future pregnancies | Be aware you MUST have client consent
70
(T/F) An ovarihysterectomy immediately following a caesarean can have negative affects on mothering behaviour and lactation
FALSE. An ovarihysterectomy immediately following a caesarean has no affect on mothering behaviour and lactation
71
How do you carry out neonatal resucitation?
Clear fluid from the oral cavity and nares Oxygen supplementation Naloxone administration *(to reverse opioids)* Dry the neonates Warm the neonates
72
How do you administer naloxone to neonates?
Sublingual administration
73
What can be indicated by bradycardia is new born neonates?
Hypoxia
74
(T/F) You should send the dam and neonates home as soon as possible following a casaerean section
TRUE. The dam is likely going to be more comfortable with their owner. However, be aware that the hormones can cause the dam to have unpredictable behaviours
75
When does antibody transfer via colosrum occur in puppies?
Antibody transfer via colostrum occurs within the first 24 hours. Make owners aware that they have to ensure the neonates are suckling and receiving colostrum
76
When does antibody transfer via colosrum occur in kittens?
Antibody transfer via colostrum occurs within the first 16 hours. Make owners aware that they have to ensure the neonates are suckling and receiving colostrum
77
Why is it so important to keep puppies and kittens warm?
It is important to keep puppies and kittens warm as they can't regulate their temperature for the first few weeks
78
Where should you report caesarean sections?
You should report caesarean sections to the kennel club if they are kennel club registered dogs ## Footnote https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-breeding/first-time-breeders/whelping-your-first-litter/reporting-c-sections-and-surgeries/
79
What are the potential post parturition complications?
Haemorrhage Retained foetuses Rejection of neonates Metritis Uterine prolapse Uterine rupture Eclampsia Hypoglycaemia Mastitis
80
What is eclampsia?
Eclampsia is hypocalcaemia as a result of loss of calcium into the milk and inadequate dietary calcium intake
81
When does eclampsia usually occur?
Eclampsia can occur pre-partum but is most common within 4 weeks post partum
82
What are the risk factors for eclampsia?
Improper perinatal nutrition High lactational demand Inappropriate calcium supplementation Small dam with a large litter
83
What are the clinical signs of eclampsia?
Panting Trembling Weakness Tachycardia Ataxia Seizures Facial pruritis Hypersalivation Hyperthermia | This clinical signs will progress rapidly and can be fatal
84
How do you treat eclampsia?
1. Slow IV 10% calcium gluconate to effect, making sure to monitor heart rate and ECG 2. Subcutaneous followed by oral calcium supplementation once the seizures are controlled 3. Diazepam to control the seizures 4. Improve nutrition 5. Reduce lactational demands through supplementing the neonates with supplemental milk
85
What are the clinical signs of mastitis?
Erythematous, firm, hot, painful mammary glands
86
Can neonates continue to suckle on dams with mastitis?
Yes, neonates can continue to suckle on dams with mastitis however be aware that the antibiotics can cause the milk to taste different so the puppies may resist it, and the antibiotics can pass into the milk and cause diarrhoea in the neonates
87
What are the risk factors for metritis?
Prolonged parturition Dystocia Retained foetus Retained placenta
88
What are the clinical signs of metritis?
Purulent vulval discharge ± Lethargy ± Shock
89
How do you treat metritis?
IV fluid therapy *(if indicated)* Antibiotics Ovariohysterectomy *(once stable)* Supplement the neonates with milk

MODULE 19 - Reproduction and Fertility (18 decks)

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