VTNE Review: Parturition and Neonatal Care

whelping

the act of a dog giving birth

queening

the act of a cat giving birth

parturition

the general term for giving birth

multiparous

having two or more offspring at birth

colostrum

early milk that is rich in antibodies and protein

dystocia

difficult birth

describe stage 1 of labor

restless, may seek seclusion or refuse food

stage may last 6-24 hours

describe stage two of labor

contractions begin

a small fluid filled sac protrudes from the vulva, encompassing the puppy, and has attached placenta

puppies are normally nose first with abdomen down

describe stage three of labor

resting stage between each delivery

expulsion of afterbirth

may last 10 minutes or less or up to an hour

when should weaning be started?

around 5 weeks of age

when delivery assistance may be needed

• stuck in canal for longer than five minutes

• mother is having strong contractions for 30 minutes with no delivery

• labor is weak and goes on for 3-4 hours intermittently without delivery

• more than 4 hours have passed and more puppies are expected

• mother has dark discharge and no delivery or labor in 3-4 hours

• if the mother has been pregnant for more than 65 days

eclampsia

• hypocalcemia

• bitch is losing more calcium in the milk than she is taking in

• signs include muscle twitching, seizures, drooling, fever, extreme restlessness, or panting

mastitis

• infection of the a mammary gland

• may cause lethargy and fever

• gland becomes hard, may be purple or red in color and may have a foul smell or abnormal color to the milk

• typically painful

when will puppies and kittens open their eyes?

around 10-14 days

how much will the mothers temperature drop within 24 hours of parturition?

1-2 degrees