Birthing Problems

Causes

• Mother's pelvis is structurally too small for normal deliveries of puppies or kittens

• Puppy or kitten is unusually large; too large for the mother to deliver

• Prior injury to mother's pelvis, for example, a fracture

• Abnormal position of puppy or kitten

• Uterus not contracting strongly enough

• Twisted uterus

• Deformed or dead fetus

Signs

• More than two days past due date (if known) or a dark vaginal discharge with a foul odor
• Active labor for more than four hours with no puppy or kitten
• More than a half hour of active continuous straining between puppies or kittens with no puppy or kitten produced.  (Active straining is seen as an obvious contraction with the dog or cat trying to push)
• Kitten or puppy at vulva, but mother unable to push them out within 20 minutes
• Mother looks weak, sick and depressed
• Bloody discharge before birth

It is a good idea to check on the animal, but do not be overly attentive.  If the dog or cat is in active labor for four or more hours with no puppy or kitten, or if more than two hours pass between puppies or kittens, or she has any of the above signs, speak to a veterinarian immediately for an assessment, and be prepared to get her to a veterinary hospital. 

At the veterinary hospital, the attending veterinarian may attempt to treat her with medication to increase the force of contractions.  Otherwise, a cesarean section may be performed. 

(Some dogs and cats will stop labor on their own if they are disturbed.)

First Aid

Puppy or Kitten Visible But the Mother Cannot Push Any Further

• Put on latex gloves (preferably sterile).
• Gently grasp the puppy or kitten with a clean towel (towel not shown) and help to pull the puppy or kitten only when she is bearing down (during an active contraction).  Do not pull a puppy or kitten when the mother is not pushing. 
• The pull should be gentle, backward (out of the vulva and towards you) and in a slightly downward direction. 

Mother Not Cleaning Puppy or Kitten

• Allow the mother to try to clean the puppy or kitten.  If she doesn't, remove the baby from the sac and wipe the puppy or kitten with a clean cloth, cleaning the mouth, nose (to remove any fluid) and eyes.  Rub gently (but vigorously) to stimulate the puppy or kitten to breathe.  Then dry the puppy or kitten with a cloth. 

1.    Tie a piece of fishing line or other heavy string snuggly around the cord about one inch from the body, then a second tie about a half inch from the first.  (Do not pull on the cord or a hernia may result).
2.    Cut between the two ties.

Cut the cord, but only after the puppy or kitten is breathing and pink. 
 

Puppy or Kitten Not Breathing

        1.    Wipe with a towel.  Clear the face, nose, eyes and mouth. 
          2.    Hold the puppy or kitten firmly in your hand, pointing the head downwards towards the floor. 
          3.    Clean away fluid from the nose and mouth.  (You can suction gently with a baby dosing syringe or bulb syringe). 
          4.    If the newborn is not breathing, perform rescue breathing (CPR).  You do not have to seal off the mouth when performing rescue breathing, because the newborn should be small enough for you to put your mouth over both the mouth and nose. 
          5.    Repeat vigorous rubbing with a towel, holding the puppy or kitten on a slight downward slant to remove any fluids.  Continue to administer rescue breathing as needed (CPR).  Do not over shake or jostle the newborn. 

 Call your veterinarian!