CANINE OBSTETRICS

Normal Canine Birth

If you believe that your dog could be pregnant it is important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss important issues concerning the health of the mother.  Also, your veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound or radiograph be done between days 45-55.  This can tell you and your veterinarian the size and positions of the litter, which can be vital information during delivery.

Important time markers

• The normal gestation period is 63 days after impregnation. 
• The fetii can usually be palpated (felt during physical exam by a doctor) at 25-36 days for dogs. 
• Ultrasound can confirm pregnancy as early as day 14 in dogs.
• Fetal skeletons are visible on radiograph (x-ray) by approximately 45 days after impregnation.

Milk Production

Mammary development can occur as early as 3-4 weeks into gestation.  Lactation (milk production) can begin 2 weeks or earlier before whelping (birthing).

The Last Week Of Pregnancy

During the last week of pregnancy the vulva will become elongated and you may see some clear discharge.  Body temperature is the most reliable sign of impending birth- the bitch's temperature will usually drop up to 1 degree F within 24 hours of whelping. 

Stages Of Labor

Stage 1

This stage can vary both in intensity and duration, extending over 4-24 hours.  Your dog may be restless; she may try to nest under furniture, beds, etc.  She may exhibit pawing, shivering, panting, circling, and/or flank watching. You might also see vomiting and mild straining.  These signs will show a steady and progressive increase in intensity as second-stage labor comes closer.

Stage 2

The mother will usually lay in lateral recumbency (on her side) during delivery, although occasionally she may walk around and pause to strain in a squatting position. You may also see a small amount of allantoic (urine-like) fluid.

The first pup should be born within 6 hours after the beginning of the second stage. The interval between puppies is usually 5-60 minutes (the average is 30 minutes.) The interval between puppies can be as long as 3 hours without it being abnormal depending on the mother, especially if she regresses back to stage 1 labor after delivering a puppy.

During delivery a dark green discharge (lochia) usually accompanies the puppies. The mother's respiratory rate may become shallow and rapid. Once the puppy is delivered the bitch will normally lick it's head and may even open the sac with her teeth. She will cut the umbilical cord with her teeth and then may eat the remaining parts of the sac. It is not essential, nor beneficial for the mother to eat the discharged placenta. Between births the mother may sleep or lay quietly until the next pup is ready to be delivered.

Canine Dystocia (Difficulty or Inability To Deliver Puppies)

Dystocia can be caused by a small or deformed birth canal, oversized fetus, or uterine weakness.

Signs Of Dystocia

• No signs of labor 24-36 hours post drop in body temperature.
• More than 60 minutes of strong persistent abdominal contractions without producing an offspring between pupppies.  It may occasionally take 2-3 hours for the first puppy, especially if it is the first litter for the mother.
• One week overdue.
• Four hours with no fetus after onset of labor.
• Three hours between births.
• Fetal membrane in vulva for 1 hour or more.
• Crying/biting at vulva.
• Failure to deliver all offspring within 24 hours after onset of labor.

If your pet is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Emergency Hospital immediately!!