Dystocia (Difficult Birth)

What is it?

Dystocia is a difficult or abnormal birth. Causes include problems with the uterus (such as weak contractions), a birth canal that is too small, an oversized puppy, or a puppy in an abnormal position. Breeds with large, broad heads or flat faces, such as English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs, have more birthing problems, and Boxers are also more likely to have difficult births. Small litters can mean bigger puppies, which can make delivery harder. A history of dystocia is one of the situations in which veterinarians watch closely for it.

What signs should I watch for?

Labor usually starts within 24 hours of a drop in rectal temperature. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic if you see any of these: intense contractions for 20 to 30 minutes without a puppy; a puppy or fluid-filled bubble stuck in the birth canal while she strains for 8 to 10 minutes; a temperature over 103°F; bloody discharge before the first puppy; fresh bleeding that lasts more than 10 minutes; green discharge with no puppy born; a long gap between puppies (sources give 1 to 4 hours) when more puppies are expected; or no labor within 24 hours of the temperature drop. Obvious pain, crying, or licking and biting at the vulva are also warning signs.

Sources give slightly different times. Our emergency guide on the homepage uses the shortest times to be safe, so it may tell you to call sooner than some numbers here. If you are unsure, call.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

X-rays or ultrasound show how many puppies remain and how they are positioned. If the mother and puppies are stable and nothing is blocking the birth canal, medication (calcium and/or oxytocin, given only on your veterinarian's advice) may help labor progress. A cesarean section is done if the mother or puppies are not stable, there is a blockage, labor goes on too long, or medication does not work.

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

• Knowing the mating dates and the number of puppies helps your veterinarian plan, especially in at-risk breeds; the timing of a planned cesarean is difficult, because surgery too late can cost puppies and too early can mean premature puppies.
• Keeping her at a healthy weight helps, since obesity increases the risk of dystocia.
• Emergency care may be needed after hours, so plan ahead before breeding.