Dystocia (Difficult Birth)

What is it?

Dystocia is a difficult or abnormal birth. Causes include problems with the uterus, a birth canal that is too small, an oversized kitten, or a kitten in an abnormal position. A common situation in cats is a partially delivered kitten: unless its head is out so it can breathe, it must be delivered within 10 to 20 minutes or it will die. A history of dystocia is one of the situations in which veterinarians watch closely for it.

What signs should I watch for?

Normally a kitten arrives within 5 to 30 minutes of strong straining, and gaps between kittens are usually 10 minutes to an hour. Cats can also rest for 24 hours or more mid-labor (interrupted labor) and then finish normally. Seek veterinary help right away if you see: 20 minutes of intense labor with no kitten; a kitten or fluid bubble visible at the vulva that is not delivered within about 10 minutes; fresh bleeding lasting more than 10 minutes, or dark green discharge before any kitten is born; a fever over 103°F, depression, or lethargy; obvious pain, crying, or licking and biting at the vulva; or no kittens within 24 hours of her temperature dropping below 100°F. If labor does not restart within a few hours, have her examined.

VCA and Merck give somewhat different times (for example, 20 minutes on one VCA page and 45 to 60 minutes on another). Our emergency guide on the homepage uses the shortest times to be safe. If you are unsure, call.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

X-rays or ultrasound show how many kittens remain. If the mother and kittens are stable and nothing is blocking the birth canal, medication can sometimes help labor progress. A cesarean section is done if the mother or kittens are not stable, there is a blockage, labor goes on too long, medication does not work, or the kittens cannot be delivered naturally.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• Keep her at a healthy weight, because obesity increases the risk of difficult labor.
• Watch first-time mothers closely.
• Your veterinarian should examine the mother and litter within 24 hours of delivery to make sure no kittens remain.