Dystocia
(Birthing Difficulty)
Having a litter of puppies or kittens seems like a romantic notion and fun for the family, but intentional breedings should not be done without forethought, medical advice, and planning. Although most cats are more likely to give birth without complications than are dogs, I have intervened in difficult births in cats as well as dogs.
Please refer to www.veterinarypartner.com
for information on normal birth, delivery,
and newborn puppy/kitten care.
- At the beginning of labor, contractions may be infrequent, weak or incomplete.
- The female may continue for up to 3 hours before a veterinary examination is needed.
- If contractions are frequent, regular and strong and no puppies or kittens are produced in 15 - 30 minutes, the pet should be taken to a veterinarian.
- If a baby is visible in the birth canal and appears stuck, GENTLY grasp the foot or feet. With a steady motion GENTLY pull on the baby ONLY WHEN THE FEMALE IS CONTRACTING. If the baby does not come out easily, take your pet to a veterinarian.
- When the baby is born it will likely be covered in a membrane. If the mother doesn't remove it, tear this membrane and remove it from the head of the baby.
- If the mother is not cleaning the baby, fluid should be gently suctioned out of the mouth and nose with an infant bulb syringe.
- Tie the umbilical cord with a piece of dental floss about 1/4" away from the baby's abdomen. Then cut the cord 1/2" past the floss with a sharp, clean scissors. Apply iodine to the stump.
- Keep the babies warm. It is best to leave them with the mother. If needed, you can use a heating pad SET ON LOW, a warm bottle of water (this must be changed frequently since the bottle can actually cool the babies when the water becomes room temperature), or a tube sock filled with dry rice and microwaved to warm it slightly then wrapped in a towel.
- Do not put your fingers into the birth canal - you may cause infection.
- Do not forcibly attempt to remove a baby.
- Do not assist delivery by pulling on the head of a baby!
- Do not lift a baby by the umbilical cord.
- Do not use a heating pad on a high or medium setting!