The Normal Stages of Whelping
Author
Margaret V. Root Kustritz, DVM, PhD, DACT
Hormone Factors Affecting Birth in the Dog
There is a normal sequence of events we can expect to occur when the birthing process is about to begin. It is interesting to note that the youngster is the one to tell mama when the time is right!
The fetus causes the onset of birth, otherwise known as parturition, or labor in animals. Therefore, dead or abnormal fetuses (feti), or small litter size may be insufficient to cause labor. The hormone progesterone is present at high levels throughout gestation (pregnancy). Just before whelping, serum progesterone concentrations fall precipitously. Progesterone is a hormone that increases the body temperature set point, so when this decrease in hormone concentration occurs, body temperature shows a transient decrease. Most bitches begin labor within 24 hours of a rectal temperature drop to less than 99° F (37.2°C).
Normal Whelping Stages
Parturition, or labor, occurs in three stages.
Stage I is cervix dilation
This occurs following an increase in the female hormone estrogen, a decrease in progesterone levels, uterus contractions, and pressure of a fetus against the cervix. Abdominal contractions are not visible. The bitch is restless and panting. She may vomit, and will probably refuse food and water. These signs should increase in frequency and intensity as this stage progresses. It may last up to 12 hours.
Stage II is expulsion of fetuses
The cervix should be fully dilated. Abdominal contractions are visible, and should be strong and coordinated. The length of this stage is variable since it depends on the number of fetuses present, but it averages 6 - 12 hours; pups are usually born every 30 - 60 minutes. You should see the birth of the first pup within 4 hours of the bitch beginning strong labor, and a pup should be born at least every 2 hours thereafter. The puppies may be born cranially (head first) or caudally (rear feet first). The bitch should tear away the sac around the pups and lick it to stimulate breathing. If she ignores the pup, you should tear away the sac and rub the pup briskly with a towel to stimulate respiration. You may need to remove fluid from the mouth and nose using a small dropper. It is important to do this gently to prevent trauma.
Stage III is expulsion of placentas
These are usually passed within 5 to 15 minutes after each pup is born. The bitch may eat them. They are of no value, and they may cause vomiting and diarrhea, so if she allows close approach, one could remove them.
After whelping, the normal bitch passes a discharge from her vagina for up to 3 weeks. The discharge should be watery or mucusy, odorless, and range in color from pale reddish-brown to pale green. It should not be creamy, or have a foul odor; these signs indicate that uterus infection is present. It is normal that the bitch's body temperature is slightly elevated for 2 - 3 days after whelping.
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