Dystocia: recognition and management

The morbidity and mortality of bitches and queens and their offspring at parturition is significantly reduced by optimum veterinary care. Usually, the patient's history already indicates that a parturition disorder may be present. If during physical examination a dystocia is confirmed, the cause of dystocia, the general condition of the dam and the fetal number and vitality are the cornerstones of the decision as to whether medical management or surgical therapy is indicated. As a consequence of scientific progress in veterinary medicine overall, and especially in veterinary anesthesia, a caesarean section is the treatment of choice in a wide variety of conditions. Medical management of dystocia is only indicated if expulsion of all fetuses is possible via the birth canal without delay. If medical therapy fails, surgical intervention is mandatory. Keywords: abnormal parturition, dog, cat, obstetric