The first thing that we must decide upon is whether there, in fact, exists a problem during the giving-birth period (parturition). What are some of the more common signs that should tell us that all is not going right?
i) Contractions have begun (labour), and 2-3 hours later she is still pressing with great effort without a puppy being born.
ii) Dark green fluid (sometimes tinged with blood) exudes from the vagina, but the first puppy has not been expelled. Please note that the presence of the dark green fluid is normal after the first pup is born.
iii) The ‘water bag’ (amniotic sac) bursts (golden fluid appears), but no pup is born after 30 minutes have elapsed.
iv) After the birth of one pup no other puppy appears. In fact she may cease to press (does not show labour contractions). Of course, one must be sure that she had conceived more than one pup. Your prior visits to the vet would have determined this.
v) Some animals display great fear and anxiety, even restlessness.
vi) Some mothers-to-be show great lethargy. In some cases, the bitch has no strength to stand up. She urinates and defecates right there where she is lying down.
What can you do?
Obviously, the first step is to contact your veterinarian, if you feel there is a problem developing. It is better to harass the vet, than to be confronted with a serious (perhaps even lethal) problem later on. If you have to intervene, please ensure that you follow this advice:
i) Wash (with water that has been boiled and treated with an antiseptic) the vulva and anal area. You may use soap.
ii) Place your cleansed index finger into the vagina and try to ascertain what is going on in there: whether the head is stuck, or the rump is coming first, or one leg is left behind, or the head is twisted to one side, etc.
iii) If the head is deviated, place your index finger in the pup’s mouth and slowly rotate the head in such a way that it is aligned with the birth canal.
iv) Similarly, if the leg (hind or front) is stuck behind, try to pull it forward into the birth canal.
v) Always use one hand to lift the pelvic area (ergo, the puppy), while you digitally feel for the pup, via the vagina, with the other hand.
Obviously, I can’t make a canine midwife out of you in one simple lesson. However, and just as obviously, you can’t just sit there and do nothing. If your efforts do not succeed, then you have no alternative but to find a veterinarian.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
