Problems During Whelping

Complications may accure at anytime during pregnancy and whelping which it may mean resulting in a life-threathing situation to the dam and or the pups. Learning to recognizing these early warning signs and knowing when it is time to go to the vet for medical treatment can be life saving.

Pelvic Canal Obstruction - occationally, the failure fo labor to progress is caused by one or two puppies that cause an obstruction with in the birth canal.

This situation may occur when:

• A puppy is oversized
• a puppy is malpositioned, or
• two puppies ae presenting at the same time

Dystocia - the puppy to large to pass, which may result in a c-section. Signs are long hard labor with no production of a puppy, Dam may get tired and weak and stops pushing.

Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia - Signs includes muscle weakness, muscle spasms, muscle tremors, or muscles - rigidity, or seizures. GET TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY

Uterine torsion or rupture - Dam is having a heavy, persistent flow of fresh blood from the vuvla. GET TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY

Hemorrhage - Dam is having heavy, persistent flow of fresh blood from the vuvla. GET TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY

Premature Placental Separation - The Partial or complete separation of the plactenta from the uterus before delivery of the pup. Usually what happens is the puppies are stressed, usually due to premature placental separation, some viral problem affecting the placenta, or even progesterone dropping prematurely.

Fetal Distress - Aspirated the throat and nose, if the warm pup is still not responding call you vet.

Call your vet immediately if:

• You notice a green or cloudy discharge from your dog's vulva
• Pregnancy last more then 65 days
• Your dog does not give birth within 24 hours after her rectal themp dropped below 99 F
• If she does not deliver a puppy within 20 minutes after hard contractions begin. In some cases, she may need a c-section.

When your dog has finished delivery, check to make sure all the puppies are nursing. It's crucial that puppies ingest the mother's milk during the puppies first 24 hours, because it contains colostrum, a substance that transfer important antibodies to the puppies to initate their immune systems, and help prevent disease.

Do not copy without my my written permission. All information is copyrighted and cannot be copied or published without written permission. Gymboreemomof6 2002