Dystocia is the medical term used to describe a difficult birth. It is diagnosed if the following symptoms are present:
1) strong abdominal contractions for more than 2 hours without a puppy or kitten being delivered
2) active labour lasting more than 2 hours without subsequent delivery of puppies or kittens
3) a resting period during active labour of more than 6 hours
4) a bitch or queen in obvious pain, crying, licking or biting the vulva
5) abnormal vulvar discharge: blood, dark green discharge prior to the birth of any kittens or puppies
A caesarean section is a major operation to remove puppies or kittens from the uterus. It is usually done as an emergency procedure. Most of the patients recover quickly, but if the mother has been in labour for several hours, her recovery may be slower and she may need extra attention and help with her puppies or kittens.
My last caesarean at PDSA Hospital Leicester – photo below ☺️
