(Continued)
Prolonged labour (Dystocia, difficult labour)
The prolongation of any phase of labour is called dystocia. It is due to either a birth canal which is too narrow in relation to the size of the presenting part (mechanical blockage), or to the failure of the uterus to develop enough strength to expel the foetus (uterine inertia). Often these two are related.
Dystocia is much more common in older brood bitches and those allowed to become too fat. This is why it is so important to keep your female dog trim and in top condition. Also, the constant, unremitting breeding of a female dog by non-knowledgeable ‘breeders’ or unscrupulous ones will lead, in due course, to ‘tiredness’ of the uterus, and to a strain on the mechanisms (muscles) which help in expelling the puppies (see paragraph 5 below).
A less common cause of mechanical blockage is a narrow pelvis. This could occur if either the mother dog is born with a narrow pelvis, or the pelvis has become narrow after an accident which broke and dislocated the pelvic bones, thus causing the pelvic aperture to become smaller.
An abnormal presentation can present itself at any time, but is much more likely to develop in the overweight, poorly conditioned female. Normally, puppies come down the birth canal nose first, with their backs along the top or the vagina and their feet at the bottom. The rump-first position, called the breech, occurs so often that it may be inaccurate to classify it as a mal-presentation. Usually it causes problems only when it occurs in the first puppy coming out of the womb.
Uterine inertia is an important cause of ineffectual labour (see paragraph 2 above). Mechanical factors, which cause the uterus to become over-distended with stretched-out fibres and loss of the power of contraction, are (i) a single large puppy in a small uterus, (ii) a very large litter, and (iii) a condition in which there is too much amniotic fluid surrounding the puppy.
Uterine inertia can also be caused by emotional upsets. Sudden anxiety induces a form of hysteria which prevents normal labour. This is why it is important to whelp a bitch where she is at ease and familiar with her surroundings, away from casual spectators and other nerve-wracking influences.
Some cases of inertia, called primary, seem to be due to a deficiency of oxytocin (a hormone produced by the pituitary gland) or calcium, or both. The uterus may respond to injections of oxytocin which stimulates stronger contractions. Intravenuous calcium may also be given. Oxytocin is contraindicated if there is a mechanical blockage. It can lead to rapture of the uterus. Do not use these medications without firstly contacting our vet.
Malpractice
Allow me to continue adding to the comments made last week and on May 12.
There are those among us who are convinced that the Guyana Veterinary Association (GVA) should take a stand against its members/colleagues who mentor/support persons who perform medical (even surgical) manipulations for which they are not trained. In fact, quite recently I saw a vaccination certificate issued in the names of persons, only one of whom is a veterinary surgeon. Another case coming to my attention was a veterinary certificate purporting to reflect vaccinations administered – but with no vaccine label accompanying the supposed inoculation. Worse, genuine practitioners are being confronted with canine distemper cases in dogs supposedly ‘vaccinated’ by the pretenders. This surely is a case for the police.
And then there is the issue of the legally registered dealers in/sellers of veterinary medication. Again, under the alleged umbrella of a qualified veterinary surgeon, potentially health-threatening drugs are being sold over the counter with the most incorrect explanations on how to use these drugs. In veterinary medicine, as I dare say in human medicine, one size does not fit all. The sales clerk behind the counter should not be prattling off advice to the unsuspecting pet owner. One has to see the animal (especially if it is a puppy) and ascertain its physical condition, its health status, its history, the severity of the symptoms, etc, before one can advise on medication and its usage. For instance, if the dosage is one (1)ml for every 10 pounds body weight, what are you going to dispense for a puppy weighing half a pound? One-twentieth (1/20) of a milliliter? You see, dear pet owner, where you are heading, if you take advice from a non-knowledgeable person – even if he/she has the best intentions.
Also, for the companion animal caregiver, it often does not work out well financially; and even worse for the animal. For example, the damage done to the reproductive system of the female dog placed on incorrect dosage rates associated with birth/heat control medication could later necessitate life-threatening intra-abdominal surgery, which can be very expensive.
Only quite recently I saw a young dog whose ears were butchered (it was supposed to be an ears-cropping surgery on a Pitbull which was not even a Pitbull, but the owner was convinced that the ears had to be cropped). The ears were, for all practical purposes, amputated – without the requisite anaesthesia! The owner related that he heard the dog crying in agony during the surgical intervention. The animal is now severely anti-social and otherwise psychologically traumatized. The owner is not prepared to take the matter further. Understandably so. The beast that would carry out such butchery might be quite capable of targeting harm to his accusers.
Please pet-owners, do not go for the cheap quick-fix from the uninitiated and the non-knowledgeable – it may cost you much more relative to your finances, your emotions, your time and, most importantly, your pet’s health and survivability.
All the best for the coming week!
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
