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The signs of labor and rate of delivery in the dog and cat are very similar, extensive studies and monitoring of parturitum have been performed for the dog and with less details in the feline species.
1.1.1 Signs of Normal Parturition in the do includes the following.:
Several hours prior to delivery, the bitch seeks a comfortable area for whelping if such is not already in place or provided for same by the owner, or Kennel Manager. Some variations are likely to be noted if the animal is considered a yard pet and is not in close contact with people from time of conception to whelping. Usually the bitch will wonder in familiar surroundings seeking for an appropriate site, at the same time she may collect newspaper, throw rugs and other items that can be moved to a site selected for whelping. This sign or behavior is normal and should not be discouraged unless such action is considered destructive to expensive household items. This is sometimes referred to as nesting behavior. During this time the vulvur becomes relaxed and some clear mucous maybe passed. Then uterine contraction are first initiated, the bitch become more restless and exhibit an increased panting rate as the head passes through the pelvic outlet, abdominal contractions are initiated. The new born are expelled in varied bitches at irregular rates, the birth time intervals will vary from several minutes to as much as six hours.
The bitch if monitored, one will note a gradual decrease in the body temperature one to two days prior to delivery. Within hours of normal whelping the body temperature will decrease to 99°-1000 f and likely remain within this range until the whelping act is complete. Following which time the temperature will gradually return to normal (usually within 12 hours).
Parturation usually will not require any assistance if the bitch is healthy during the gestation period.
Dystocia is the term that is applied any time veterinary assistance is required for delivery manually, medically or surgically, simply stated abnormal labor or bitch.
Eatocia is the term that refers to normal labor or bitch.
1.1.2 Problems Generally Associated with Dystocia
- 1. Uterine Inertia - sluggishness of uterine contractions during labor. Usually a problem that can be connected medically. (Student assignment review medications which will stimulate the uterus to contract)
- 2. Atonic Uterus - lacking of normal tone or strength to expel the fetus. (May not respond to medications, if the bitch has been in labor more than 24 hours. Try medication first and surgery if indicated).
- 3. Retained fetus - This is not overly common in the cat or dog, but such may occur and should be suspected if there is an abnormal discharge noted from the vulva. Usually a simple abdominal radiograph will rule in or rule out this condition, if a fetus is retained reminants of skeletal parts can readily be noted from the X-ray. This is best corrected surgically.
- 4. Normal bitch presentation in the cat and dog is head first, however, other presentations may occur and the act of whelping proceed normally without any intervention or outside assistance.
- 5. Pseudopregnancy: Simply stated false pregnancy occurs in cats and dogs ocassionaly due to hormonal influences in bitches and induced ovulation by sterile male and cat.
- 6. Pelvic fractures narrowing the birth canals, such animals should not be bred. (Recommend spaying)
The normal estrus cycle for the cat (feline) in the absence of a male is 14-28 day, and will remain in estrus for 8-10 days. This estrus range is related to the amount of circulatory estradl 17B. The major difference in reproduction in cat and dogs is that cats are induced ovilators. Therefore, if matting does not occur, queens will continue to demonstrate estrus at regular intervals for several months, depending on the breed time of year, and environmental conditions. Pseudopregnancy is likely to occur in queens that are stimulated to ovulate by a sterile male cat.
The normal estrua for the dog is that period of the reproductive cycle characterized by the bitch acceptance of the male. This period normally last for about 9 days, but can range in length form 1 to 15 days.
Normal Gestation period:
- 1. Dogs - 58-63 days
- 2. Most domestic cats - 58 - 63 days
- 3. Siamese cats - 60-65 days
