Diagnosis of dystocia

The diagnosis of dystocia ultimately relies on the subjective assessment of labour progression. Continuous contractions of the myometrium should expel a neonate every half an hour, with a maximum duration stretched to 4 hours if there are weak contractions. However the more the delivery duration is delayed the greater the risk for the neonate and the more stress the dam is in.

A clinical exam should primarily include a minimum database of blood test in order to rule out systemic illness like hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia. Uterine rupture will also present as a problem and hence a physical examination of the vulva and the caudal vagina can be done. Uterine rupture will usually present as a physical shock and possible toxemia- pale gums, rapid heart rate, weak pulses and abnormal blood work. If the blood work show signs of hypoglycemia or hypocalcemia then this problem must be addressed immediately. However, if the blood work is normal then it might be uterine inertia and oxytocin ca be administered.

Radiography is very useful as it will determine the number of neonates in the uterus as well as their position. Ultrasonography is also particularly beneficial as it can detect individual foetal heart rates.

 Oxytocin

A very important thing to remember is that oxytocin does not increase the strength of uterine contractions, but instead the frequency. The effect of oxytocin lasts for approximately 30-90 minutes, and the second dose can be administered after 30 to 60 minutes.  However, it must be noted that 30% of the bitches do not deliver the neonate even with the administration of oxytocin. Hence in this case surgical intervention via caesarean is warranted.