Dystocia in Dogs
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Mar 24, 2024
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 24, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Dystocia in dogs refers to labor and delivery difficulties that occur when a female dog is giving birth.
While most litters are born without any issues, difficulties can arise from a small pelvic size of the dog giving birth, large size or specific positioning of the pups, uterine inertia or issues common in specific dog breeds.
Dystocia will usually affect the very first puppy in a litter with only one being delivered.
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Symptoms of Dystocia
The most common symptom of female dogs with dystocia is that the labor is not proceeding as it should and can be based on many different symptoms including:
- More than 30 minutes of strong, persistent contractions without any puppies
- More than two hours between deliveries of puppies
- Mother dog displaying signs of pain, licking vulvar area when contracting
- Bloody discharge
- Delivery of stillborn puppies (born dead)
- Trembling
- Persistent nesting behavior
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Straining
- Abnormal bloody discharge from the vagina
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Breeds at Risk of Dystocia
There are some breeds that are more pre-disposed to Dystocia, particularly the Brachycephalic breeds (those with flat faces):
- Boxers
- Bulldogs
- Pugs
- French Bulldogs
- Boston Terriers
- Mastiffs
- Pekingese
Read more: Best Pet Insurance for French Bulldogs
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Dystocia Causes
Most of the causes of dystocia are due to physical abnormalities that will affect the birthing process and include:
- Oversize fetus
- Abnormal presentation, position, or posture of the fetus in the birth canal
- Fetal death
- Inflammation of the uterus
- Gestational diabetes
- Abnormality of the vagina
- Abnormality of the pelvic canal
- Small pelvis
- Cervical dilation is too slow
- Uterine rupture
- Uterine cancer or cysts
Other Factors That Can Contribute to Dystocia
- Age of the dog
- Sudden changes in the environment before a dog goes into labor
- Previous history of dystocia
Diagnosing Dystocia
Your vet will need you to evaluate your dog’s health.
Any information about your dog’s lineage or records of your dog’s past births and/or reproductive issues is necessary and helpful.
The vet will examine your dog by touching her vaginal canal and cervix.
Blood work will be done to determine the blood urea nitrogen level, blood glucose as well as the calcium. Progesterone levels will also be taken.
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X-rays will be taken which can determine the number, location and the size of the fetuses.
The X-rays will also help determine if the puppies are OK and still alive.
An ultrasound might be taken to see if there is fetal stress or to determine how the placenta has separated.
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Treatment of Dystocia
Dogs experiencing dystocia should be helped by a vet until all the pups are born and the mother is stabilized.
The treatment depends on the exact problem. In the majority of cases, the veterinarian will perform a cesarean section (C-section).
Abnormal Position
If the fetuses are in an abnormal position, the vet will try to manipulate the puppy or puppies in the correct position. If this doesn’t work then they will usually perform a C-section.
Small birth Canal/ Large Fetus
The vet again will try to manipulate the fetus if the puppy is too big or if the birth canal is too small.
Contractions too slow or have stopped
It the contractions haven’t started or suddenly stop, the vet will usually deliver a calcium gluconate IV as well as oxygen and electrolytes.
These medications can help stimulate the uterus to start making contractions or to accelerate them.
Recovery from Dystocia
The vet will usually have your dogs and puppies stay at the vet hospital under observation for 24 to 48 hours.
Once your dog is home, you will need to find a comfortable and safe place for your dog to recover and rest.
If your dog had a C-section, you will usually have to bottle feed the litter of puppies until the mother has healed properly and can nurse on her own.
Spaying a dog with dystocia can help it from re-occurring.
If you plan to keep breeding the dog or dogs, it’s best to plan for a C-section.
Final Things on Dystocia
Only a select few pet insurance companies cover expenses related to breeding and delivery, and they may have exclusions for certain breeds known for having difficult births.
Make sure you review exclusions carefully before enrolling in a policy if you plan on breeding your dog.
For more information on other dog health issues that might occur, our dog glossary is a great resource.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dystocia in dogs?
Dystocia in dogs refers to labor and delivery difficulties that occur when a female dog is giving birth. It can be caused by factors such as a small pelvic size, large puppies, specific positioning of the pups, uterine inertia, or issues common in certain dog breeds.
What are the symptoms of Dystocia in female dogs?
The most common symptom is that the labor is not proceeding as it should. This can manifest in various ways, including slow or stopped contractions and other signs that the birthing process is not progressing normally.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to Dystocia?
Yes, some breeds, particularly Brachycephalic breeds with flat faces, are more predisposed to Dystocia.
What causes Dystocia in dogs?
Most causes of dystocia are due to physical abnormalities that affect the birthing process. These include issues like abnormal positioning of the fetuses, a small birth canal, large puppies, or slow/stopped contractions.
How is Dystocia diagnosed by veterinarians?
Diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation of the dog’s health, examination of the vaginal canal and cervix, blood work to assess various levels, X-rays to determine fetal number and positioning, and sometimes an ultrasound to check for fetal stress or placental issues.
What is the treatment for Dystocia in dogs?
Treatment depends on the specific problem. In many cases, a veterinarian may perform a cesarean section (C-section). Other treatments may include manipulating the position of the puppies or administering medications to stimulate contractions.
How long does the recovery process take for a dog with Dystocia?
Dogs and puppies may stay at the vet hospital for 24 to 48 hours under observation. Recovery at home involves providing a comfortable and safe space for the dog. If a C-section was performed, the puppies may need to be bottle-fed until the mother has healed.
Does pet insurance cover expenses related to Dystocia?
Only a select few pet insurance companies cover expenses related to breeding and delivery. It’s essential to review exclusions carefully before enrolling in a policy, especially if you plan on breeding your dog.
Can spaying a dog prevent Dystocia from reoccurring?
Yes, spaying a dog with Dystocia can help prevent it from happening again. Planning for a C-section may be advisable if you plan to continue breeding the dog.
Are there specific pet insurance companies recommended for coverage related to breeding and delivery?
While some pet insurance companies cover breeding-related expenses, it’s crucial to carefully review policies. Coverage may vary, and exclusions may apply.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.