TL;DR: Dystocia, or difficult birth, is a life-threatening emergency for both the mother and her puppies that requires immediate veterinary intervention. Seek emergency care if labor stalls for over 30 minutes or if more than two hours pass between puppies.
What is canine dystocia and why is it dangerous?
Dystocia refers to difficult birth or the inability to expel a fetus through the birth canal. This can occur due to maternal factors, such as a narrow pelvis or uterine inertia, or fetal factors, such as a puppy being too large or positioned incorrectly. When a dog is unable to pass a puppy, the lives of both the mother and the unborn litter are at significant risk.
When should I call an emergency veterinarian for a dog in labor?
- Recognize that the inability to pass a puppy is a critical medical emergency.
- Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately if you observe more than 30 minutes of strong contractions without a birth.
- Seek help if more than two hours pass between the delivery of puppies.
- Call if a puppy is visibly stuck in the birth canal.
- Watch for dark green or bloody discharge before the first puppy is born.
- Act quickly, as delaying treatment can lead to fetal death or life-threatening complications for the mother.
How can a photo help the veterinary team triage my dog?
- Provide a clear photo of the mother’s vulva and any visible part of the puppy to help remote triage vets or clinic staff.
- Use photos to allow the veterinary team to quickly assess the presentation of the puppy, such as identifying a breech birth or a physical obstruction.
- Allow the team to use the visual information to provide immediate instructions on how to stabilize the dog during transport.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Dystocia in dogs should be considered an emergency in situations such as a history of previous dystocia or reproductive tract obstruction, parturition not occurring within 24 hours after a drop in rectal temperature to below 100°F (37.7°C), strong abdominal contractions lasting for 1-2 hours without passage of a puppy, active labor lasting for 1-2 hours without delivery of subsequent puppies, a resting period during active labor exceeding 4-6 hours, obvious pain (e.g., crying, licking, or biting the vulva), or abnormal vulvar discharge (e.g., frank blood, dark green discharge before any neonates are born, indicating placental separation). Dystocia can be objectively diagnosed if uterine contractility is inappropriate, or if excessive fetal stress results from labor.
Chapter: Reproduction
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1395)