Why stillborn puppies

Bitches may refuse to eat and sometimes vomit. Panting and trembling may occur. In this phase the uterus womb is contracting and the cervix is dilating.

Although you might see a clear and watery discharge from the vulva around the back end of the bitch no visible abdominal contractions are evident. Stage II: begins when you can see the bitch starting to strain. These contractions will eventually result in the delivery of a puppy.

Typically, there should not be more than hours between puppies although great variation exists. The delivery of an entire litter of puppies can take between 1 and 24 hours. Increased puppy survival is associated with shorter total delivery time less than 12 hours and an interval of less than 2 hours between puppies.

Discharge from the vulva during this time may be clear or bloody and this would be normal. Typically bitches continue to nest between deliveries and may nurse and groom puppies intermittently. As the next puppy starts to arrive panting and trembling are common. Stage III: this is the delivery of the placenta. Bitches often deliver puppies and placenta alternatively until the delivery is complete but sometimes 2 puppies will be born and then 2 placentae.

Try to keep a check that the same numbers of placentas and puppies have been delivered at the end. What if no puppies are being born? How do I know if my bitch is having problems? The diagnosis of dystocia can be based on the presence of any of the following criteria: Prolonged gestation If the pregnancy lasts longer than days from the first mating, days of dioestrus metoestrus or 66 days from the day of the LH surge or initial rise in progesterone during oestrus known if ovulation timing was performed then this is abnormal.

Failure of delivery of all puppies in a timely fashion Delivery should occur within 1 hour of active parturition visible abdominal efforts or hours of intermittent parturition. Call your vet for advice if there is: 30 minutes of strong contractions with no puppy born. Obvious problem pup hanging out etc. Foetal distress If stillborn puppies are delivered then concerns must be raised for the remainder of the litter as yet unborn. Maternal distress The puppies are also at risk if their mother becomes ill before delivery.

Causes and treatment of dystocia. Dystocia is due to either a problem with the mother or with puppy size or position. Abnormalities of the uterus womb T hese include poor contraction of the muscles of the uterus, abnormalities associated with foetal or maternal fluids or twisting or rupture of the uterus. Disorders of the birth canal Previous damage to the pelvis such as healed fractures can make the birth canal narrow. Puppy abnormalities Includes puppies that are too large, or in a abnormal position, presentation or posture.

Breeds of dog where Caesarean delivery of puppies is usually required If it is known in advance that problems are likely during delivery your vet will probably want to book the date of the Caesarean as a routine procedure. This not only controls pet overpopulation, but it can add to the longevity of your dog's life. Spaying your female pet helps control undesirable behavior, and can help avoid numerous health issues. A female, when spayed prior to entering her first heat cycle, has a nearly zero possibility of developing mammary cancer and has a lower risk of developing uterine cancer.

Whether or not you choose to spay, proper veterinary care is always the best bet for increasing your pet's chance of having a long and happy life with you, her best friend. Share It. The Stillborn Pup The wriggling litter has arrived, and the new mother takes action, but one puppy isn't moving. Doing What is Best If the mother fails to tend to her deceased pup, remove it from the whelping area. The Necropsy In order to determine the stillborn's cause of death, a veterinarian can perform a necropsy.

The Choice to Spay Perhaps the best way to avoid stillbirth, and potential disease to newborn puppies, is to have your dog spayed. Survival is possible but they require an enormous amount of care and often have to be hand fed since they are unable to suckle. Sometimes they have to be fed by stomach tube gavage feeding. If necessary, your veterinarian will show you how to do this.

Mothers will often reject premature puppies and these puppies soon die of hypothermia low body temperature. Excessive heat hyperthermia can be just as harmful as hypothermia so the temperature of the puppy's environment must be carefully controlled. The puppies must also be kept in a moist atmosphere if they are being raised away from the mother. The mother usually licks and cleans the puppies frequently. As a result, not only is the environment warm, it is also moist.

You can provide a moist environment by placing warm, damp cloths in the box with them. Once the puppies are stronger and able to suckle, the mother will very often take over herself. It is very important to try and ensure they are fed her "first milk" or colostrum which contains necessary antibodies to help prevent infection in the newborn puppies. If the puppies can suckle, your veterinarian will show you how to hold them on to the mother's teats. If this fails, your veterinarian will advise you on milk replacement formulas and proper puppy bottles.

Although it can be rewarding if the puppies survive, hand raising puppies is extremely challenging and many puppies fail to survive. With animals that have multiple births, like dogs, it is not unusual for some of the offspring to either be born dead or to die shortly after birth.

Sometimes a stillborn puppy will disrupt the birthing process resulting in dystocia or birthing complication.