"BITSY" - Dystocia
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS:
- What is the significance of the green-black vulvar discharge? Describe normal placentation in the dog.
- What are the pros and cons of radiographs and ultrasound for dystocia diagnosis and treatment planning?
- How do you decide whether to use oxytocin or go to surgery (C-section)?
- What dose of oxytocin do you use? How do you know it's working? How many doses do you give?
SIGNALMENT: 4 year old F/I mixed breed
HISTORY: Bitsy was bred by the neighbor's 9 month old Labrador Retriever about 2 months ago. The owners did not think the male dog could be fertile and so did not know Bitsy was pregnant until about 1 week ago when pregnancy was confirmed by palpation at another veterinary clinic. That veterinarian felt several puppies. Bitsy has been panting and restless for about 8 hours, has refused all food today, and passed odorless, greenish-black vulvar discharge about 1 hour ago. The owners have not seen any overt abdominal contractions.
PHYSICAL: T 102.3°F P 100 R 40
DIAGNOSTICS:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Serum chemistry profile
Urinalysis
Abdominal radiograph
Digital vaginal examination
Serum calcium assay