Causes of dystocia in dogs: Improper fetal position

The fetus in the dog's abdomen is not in the correct position. Abnormal fetal position, fetal direction, and fetal posture will cause the birth canal to be blocked, leading to dystocia. The common phenomena include: transverse, vertical, oblique, inferior, lateral, downward curvature of the fetal head, lateral curvature of the fetal head, etc.

Solution

If the fetal position is improper, the fetal position needs to be corrected. The midwife needs to lift the hind limbs of the female dog and drip 3-5mL of paraffin oil or soybean oil into the vagina. The midwife will disinfect her right hand and insert it into the vagina of the female dog. The left hand cooperates with the outside of the abdominal wall to push the fetus into the pelvic cavity, then corrects the fetal position, and then pulls the fetus out with the contraction of the female dog's uterus.

Causes of dystocia in dogs: abnormal fetal development

Fetal oversize, fetal malformation, and stillbirth are all factors that can cause dystocia in female dogs. Fetal oversize is mainly seen when a female dog is pregnant with a single litter. Fetal malformations mainly include three types: hydrocephalus, anastomosis, and hydroperitoneum, of which anasthesia is the most common.

Solution

If the fetus is too large, lateral incision surgery can be performed. Make an incision 2-3cm above the female dog’s vulva to expand the caliber of the birth canal. When the fetus is close to the vulva, the midwife uses her right hand to spread the labia and expand it to both sides. The uterus can be massaged through the abdominal wall to promote regular uterine contractions. During uterine contractions, press on the abdomen to increase abdominal pressure. When the baby is exposed to the vulva, the midwife can pull the baby out.
Deformed fetuses and stillbirths generally help the female dog expel the fetal body. Fetus fragmentation is performed to destroy the fetus, reducing its size and reducing labor difficulties.

Causes of dystocia in dogs: labor dystocia

The main force of labor is the contraction of the uterus, supplemented by the contraction of the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, abdominal wall muscles, and levator ani muscles. Normal uterine contractions are rhythmic, symmetrical, and have corresponding intensity and frequency. If the contractions of the uterus lose their rhythm and symmetry, and their intensity and frequency are abnormal, such as uterine contractions being weak or too strong, resulting in uncoordinated contractions, it can also cause dystocia in bitches.

Solution

Give the female dog an abdominal massage and use oxytocin to increase the contraction of the uterus.

Causes of dystocia in dogs: birth canal dystocia

Factors such as a narrow pelvis, a small vulva, and incomplete cervix dilation in female dogs can all cause dystocia in female dogs. Among them, dystocia caused by pelvic narrowing is more common, mainly seen in bitches that are bred too early and bitches with congenital pelvic hypoplasia.

Solution

A caesarean section can be performed promptly to remove the fetus.

Causes of dystocia in dogs: Improper use of medication

Using oxytocin when the female dog’s fetus is in an abnormal position or the cervix or pelvis is not fully opened will cause the female dog’s uterus to contract strongly, eventually causing Uterine paralysis. Or giving too much oxytocin to the female dog can cause uterine paralysis.

Solution

Stop using oxytocin immediately and massage the female dog’s abdomen to promote blood circulation and return uterine contractions to normal.