Comprehensive Guide to Whelping in the Bitch
Whelping is a critical process for any breeder, involving the birth of puppies. Understanding the stages of labor, what to expect, and how to manage potential complications is essential for ensuring the health and safety of both the dam and her puppies. This guide will provide a thorough overview of the whelping process, incorporating real-world examples and expert insights to help you navigate this important time effectively.
Understanding the Whelping Process
Whelping, or the act of a bitch giving birth, typically occurs at home under the breeder's supervision. This preference is due to concerns about exposure to infectious agents and increased maternal stress in a veterinary clinic. The normal length of gestation in dogs is 56-58 days from the first day of diestrus, or 64-66 days from the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, or the initial rise in progesterone during estrus.
Stages of Labor
Canine labor can be divided into three stages:
Stage 1: Pre-Labor
During the first stage of labor, internal uterine contractions begin in an organized pattern, occurring at regular and progressively more frequent intervals. This stage is characterized by changes in the bitch's behavior, such as restlessness, reclusiveness, loss of appetite, and sometimes vomiting. Nesting behavior is also common. This stage usually lasts from 10 to 24 hours and results in cervical dilation.
Real-World Example: A breeder noticed her Labrador retriever, Daisy, becoming unusually restless and starting to nest in her whelping box. Knowing this was a sign of Stage 1 labor, she monitored Daisy closely and provided comfort.
Stage 2: Active Labor
The onset of the second stage of labor is marked by visible efforts to expel puppies through abdominal muscular contractions. Normal deliveries occur after 10 to 60 minutes of such efforts. Puppies are delivered encased in amniotic membranes, which usually rupture during delivery. Breech delivery is considered normal in dogs, occurring about 40% of the time.
Real-World Example: During Molly's whelping, a breeder observed her actively pushing. Within 30 minutes, the first puppy was born, encased in the amniotic sac. The breeder carefully removed the sac and ensured the puppy started breathing.
Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta
Third stage labor involves the delivery of the placenta, which may be attached to the puppy or follow later in labor. Bitches alternate between stages 2 and 3 until all fetuses and placentae are delivered. It's common for bitches to attempt to sever the umbilical cords and ingest the placentas, though there is no proven benefit to eating the placentas.
Real-World Example: After delivering her third puppy, Bella's breeder noticed the placenta still attached. She allowed Bella to sever the umbilical cord but prevented her from ingesting the placenta to avoid potential indigestion.
Monitoring and Managing the Whelping Process
Temperature Monitoring
A drop in the bitch's rectal temperature to below 99-100 degrees Fahrenheit is a key indicator that labor is imminent, typically occurring 10 to 14 hours before the onset of labor.
Real-World Example: Maxine's breeder monitored her temperature daily. When it dropped to 98.8 degrees, he prepared for whelping, knowing that labor would start soon.
External Monitoring Devices
Modern whelping practices may involve the use of external monitoring devices to detect uterine activity and fetal heart rates. These devices can be used at home or in the veterinary clinic and transmit information to obstetrical personnel for interpretation.
Real-World Example: Using a fetal heart rate monitor, a breeder detected a drop in one puppy's heart rate. Acting swiftly, she contacted her veterinarian, who advised immediate intervention, saving the puppy's life.
Assistance During Whelping
During the whelping process, it is crucial to provide assistance if the bitch fails to care for the puppies. This includes cleaning the membranes away from the puppy's face, removing fluids from the airways with an infant bulb syringe, and stimulating respiration with towel drying. The umbilical cord should be tied off with clean suture or dental floss, severed 1 inch from the puppy's abdomen, and painted with tincture of iodine.
Real-World Example: After Luna delivered her second puppy, she seemed exhausted and did not clean the puppy. The breeder quickly stepped in, cleared the airways, and ensured the puppy began breathing.
Potential Complications and Interventions
Dystocia
Dystocia, or difficult labor, can occur due to various reasons, including uterine inertia, oversized puppies, or abnormal fetal positioning. Immediate veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Real-World Example: When Rosie struggled to deliver her third puppy and showed signs of distress, her breeder quickly transported her to the veterinary clinic, where an emergency C-section was performed.
Oxytocin and Calcium Administration
Oxytocin and calcium may be administered to enhance uterine contractions and facilitate delivery. However, these should only be used under veterinary guidance to avoid complications.
Real-World Example: After a prolonged labor, Penny's contractions weakened. Her veterinarian administered oxytocin, which effectively strengthened the contractions, leading to the successful delivery of the remaining puppies.
Cesarean Section
In cases where medical management is ineffective or there are absolute indications for surgical intervention, a cesarean section may be performed to ensure the safety of the dam and the puppies.
Real-World Example: Bella's breeder monitored her labor closely with external devices. When fetal heart rates dropped significantly, a cesarean section was performed, saving Bella and her puppies.
Post-Whelping Care
Immediate Care
After whelping, the dam should be monitored closely to ensure she bonds with her puppies and exhibits appropriate maternal behaviors. The puppies should be placed in a warm, safe environment and weighed regularly to ensure they are nursing effectively.
Real-World Example: Following whelping, Daisy's breeder ensured she was comfortable and monitored her interactions with the puppies, providing assistance when needed to ensure all puppies nursed well.
Monitoring the Puppies
Healthy, well-nourished puppies are clean, quiet, and sleep when not nursing. Any signs of distress, such as excessive crying or failure to gain weight, should be addressed immediately.
Real-World Example: When one of Luna's puppies did not gain weight, the breeder supplemented with bottle feeding while continuing to encourage nursing, ensuring the puppy's survival.
Advanced Monitoring and Equipment
Use of Canine Progesterone Machines
For breeders using advanced reproductive technologies, canine progesterone machines have become industry standard. These machines help accurately monitor progesterone levels, aiding in precise ovulation timing and enhancing breeding success.
Real-World Example: Maxine's breeder used a canine progesterone machine to monitor her hormone levels. This precise timing ensured successful breeding and a healthy litter of puppies.
Uterine and Fetal Monitoring Devices
These devices, used both at home and in veterinary clinics, help detect uterine activity and fetal heart rates, allowing for timely intervention and better management of labor.
Real-World Example: Using an advanced uterine monitor, a breeder detected early signs of labor in Bella, allowing for timely preparation and reducing the risk of complications.
FAQs About Whelping in the Bitch
Q: How can I tell if my dog is about to start labor?
A: Common signs include restlessness, nesting behavior, loss of appetite, and a drop in rectal temperature below 99-100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: How long does the whelping process typically take?
A: Labor can last anywhere from 10 to 24 hours for the first stage, with each puppy typically delivered within 10 to 60 minutes during the second stage. The entire process can vary depending on the number of puppies and individual circumstances.
Q: When should I intervene during the whelping process?
A: Intervene if the bitch is in distress, if there are prolonged periods between the deliveries of puppies, or if a puppy is not breathing and needs assistance. Always consult with your veterinarian for guidance.
Q: What should I do if a puppy is not breathing after birth?
A: Clear the airways of any membranes, gently suction fluids from the mouth and nose using an infant bulb syringe, and stimulate breathing by rubbing the puppy with a towel.
Q: How can I ensure my puppies are nursing effectively?
A: Weigh each puppy before and after nursing sessions to ensure they are gaining weight. Monitor their behavior; healthy puppies are usually quiet and sleep between feedings.
Conclusion
Whelping in the bitch is a complex process that requires careful monitoring and timely intervention to ensure the health and safety of both the dam and her puppies. By understanding the stages of labor, potential complications, and the importance of advanced monitoring techniques, breeders can provide the best care for their dogs during this critical time. Regular veterinary consultations and the use of industry-standard equipment, such as canine progesterone machines, can significantly enhance breeding success and the well-being of the puppies.
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