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What initial signs indicate the onset of Stage I of parturition?
What is the average duration for delivering a puppy during Stage II of parturition?
What indicates the normal expulsion process during Stage III of parturition?
Why is the expulsion of placental membranes crucial after delivery?
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What should be prioritized when dealing with a case of dystocia?
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What should be reported to the veterinarian if there are strong contractions for 30 minutes without delivering a pup?
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What change in lochia indicates a normal postpartum progression?
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Which of the following is a sign of retained placenta or fetus?
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Which condition is characterized by swollen and painful mammary glands?
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What is a potential treatment for eclampsia in nursing dogs?
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What is the recommended action if discharge persists beyond 8 weeks after parturition?
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What practice can help prevent eclampsia during lactation?
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What aspect of maternal care is crucial if the mother is depressed and unable to care for her pups?
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What is the primary responsibility of the mother when working with newborn pups?
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At what age should puppies start exploring their environment?
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How should the environment temperature be maintained for newborn pups in their first week?
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What is a sign of a healthy newborn pup?
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What should the weight of a healthy puppy increase by daily during the first few weeks?
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What can cause poor digestion in cold puppies?
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How should canine milk replacement formula be prepared?
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What is a common complication in neonates that can occur due to inadequate care?
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Study Notes
Parturition
- Whelping is the process of giving birth to puppies.
- Progesterone produced by the corpus luteum (CL) throughout pregnancy.
- Rising levels of prostaglandin (produced by the placenta) induce contractions.
- A decrease in progesterone leads to parturition within 12-24 hours.
- Parturition occurs in three stages.
Stage I - Preparatory Stage
- Restlessness, panting, and nesting behavior are observed 6-36 hours before birth.
- The fetus positions itself for delivery, and the cervix dilates.
- The temperature drops to 99°F 24 hours before Stage II.
Stage II - Expulsion
- Strong uterine contractions push the pup into the birth canal.
- Abdominal contractions are visible.
- Each pup delivery takes 20-60 minutes.
- There can be up to 2 hours between puppies.
- Typically, all pups are delivered within 6 hours, but larger litters can extend the process to 24 hours.
Stage III - Cleaning Stage
- The expulsion of the placental membranes occurs.
- This stage alternates with Stage II.
- Dark green/black discharge is normal during this stage.
- Retention of placental membranes can lead to infection and death.
- The uterus undergoes involution.
Dystocia
- Difficulty giving birth.
- Anxiety can delay labor.
- Keeping the mother calm and comfortable is essential.
- Contact a veterinarian immediately if complications arise.
Whelping Intervals
- Seek veterinary advice if:
- Strong contractions last 30 minutes or more without delivering a pup.
- Weak and infrequent contractions last more than 2 hours without delivering a pup.
- The mother rests for over 2 hours after the last pup delivery with no contractions.
Postpartum
- Lochia (uterine discharge) normally persists for 4-6 weeks after parturition.
- Discharge should transition from dark green/black to a thin, reddish brown within a few days.
- Discharge beyond 8 weeks requires evaluation.
- The mother should be bright, alert, responsive (BAR) with a good appetite.
Postpartum Complications
-
Retained placenta or fetus:
- May lead to uterine infection (metritis).
- Symptoms include depression, anorexia, fever, and decreased milk production.
- Systemic toxemia can develop.
- Requires prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics, IV fluids, and possibly surgery.
- Pups may cry if the mother is unable to care for them.
- Bottle-feeding may be necessary.
-
Mastitis:
- One or more mammary glands become swollen and painful.
- Pups may not gain weight.
- The mother may be depressed and neglect pups.
- Treated with antibiotics.
- Pups can usually continue nursing.
- Clip pup nails and ensure all teats are used for nursing.
- Subinvolution of Placental Sites (SIPS)
Postpartum Complications (continued)
-
Eclampsia/Hypocalcemia/Milk Fever/Puerperal tetany:
- Panting, restlessness, high fever, and muscle stiffness rapidly progress to seizures.
- Occurs at peak lactation (2-3 weeks), particularly in small breed dogs with large litters.
- Requires emergency treatment with intravenous calcium gluconate.
- Follow-up with calcium supplements and Vitamin D.
- Hypoglycemia may occur concurrently.
- Treatment includes IV dextrose.
- Bottle-feed the pups.
- Do not administer high levels of calcium supplements during pregnancy.
- Prevention focuses on proper nutrition for pregnant and nursing mothers.
-
Hypoglycemia:
- Can occur concurrently with eclampsia.
- Treatment involves IV dextrose.
- High-quality puppy food and free feeding should be implemented.
- Calcium administration during peak lactation is essential, especially for pets with a history of eclampsia.
Working with Newborn Pups
- The mother typically handles most of the work.
- Assistance may be needed.
- Owners/veterinary teams may have to open the amniotic sac and pull the membrane away from the pup's face.
- Vigorous rubbing stimulates the pup.
- Aspirate fluid from the nose and mouth with a bulb syringe.
- Tie off the umbilical cord and cut it, applying Betadine to the stump.
Newborn Pups
- Healthy pups exhibit warmth, a full belly, twitching in sleep, and regular nursing.
- Sick pups are chilled, limp, fail to nurse, and may cry constantly or crawl aimlessly.
- Contact a veterinarian immediately if pups are not gaining weight or exhibit any signs of problems with the pups or the mother.
Thriving Neonates
- Observe the mother with the pups.
- Pups should nurse every 1-2 hours.
- The dam will lick to stimulate urination and defecation.
- Stools should be formed but soft.
- Weigh the puppies 1-2 times daily to monitor progress.
- Weight should increase by 5-10% per day for the first few weeks.
Neonate Progress
- Eyes and ears open around 10 days old, fully open by 3 weeks.
- Exploration begins around 3 weeks of age.
- Weaning occurs around 4-6 weeks.
- Reduce the mother's food intake during weaning to avoid mastitis.
- Deworm pups with Pyrantel at 2, 4, and 6 weeks.
- Deworm the mother with Pyrantel after delivery, then every time the pups are dewormed.
Neonatal Complications
- Hypothermia
- Poor weight gain
- Dehydration
- Hypoglycemia
- Septicemia
Neonatal Hypothermia
- Pups are unable to maintain their body temperature.
- Maintain environmental temperatures at 90°F for the first week, 85-90°F for the second week, and 75-80°F for the third week.
- Cold pups cannot digest food properly.
- Normal body temperature is 95-99°F for week one, and 97-100°F for weeks 2 and 3.
- Warm milk before bottle feeding.
Feeding Orphan Puppies
- Canine milk replacement formula (CMR).
- Feed with:
- Pet nurser
- Feeding tube
- Large litters can be tube fed if necessary.
Feeding Orphan Puppies (continued)
- Prepare formula strictly according to label directions.
- Refrigerate or freeze opened containers of formula.
- Mix only enough formula for one day at a time to minimize bacterial growth.
- Refrigerate unused formula.
- Warm formula to 95°F before feeding. Avoid hot spots.
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Description
Explore the fascinating process of canine parturition, from the hormonal changes leading to birth to the three distinct stages of labor. This quiz covers the critical factors involved in whelping, including the signs, stages, and timing of puppies' delivery. Test your understanding of how breeding and birthing work in dogs.
