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| + | * Protracted birth due to weak or absent uterine contractions. |
− | ==Introduction==
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− | Uterine inertia describes the '''failure of the uterus''' to expel a foetus normally and is a common cause of [[Dystocia - Dog & Cat|'''canine and feline dystocia''']].
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− | Uterine inertia can be '''primary or secondary'''.
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− | == Primary Uterine Inertia == | + | === Primary Uterine Inertia === |
− | This describes the '''total or partial absence of contractions''' to expel a normal foetus through an unobstructed birth canal.
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− | Several causes have been found:
| + | * Lack of Oxytocin Receptors |
− | :'''Breed predisposition'''
| + | * Lack or failure of Oxytocin release |
− | :'''Large litter''' overstretching the uterus
| + | * Lack or failure in Prostaglandin release |
− | :'''Small litter''' not stimulating the uterus enough. Small foetuses cannot apply enough pressure on the uterine wall and cervix to set up the [[Parturition Endocrine Control - Anatomy & Physiology#Ferguson Reflex|Fergusson reflex]].
| + | * Obesity and lack of excercise in bitches. The small foetus cannot apply enough pressure on the uterine wall and cervix to set up the [[Parturition Endocrine Control - Anatomy & Physiology|Fergusson reflex]]. |
− | :'''Systemic disease''': Obesity and lack of exercise, [[hypocalcaemia]], septicaemia.
| + | * Foetus is too small, or not entering cervix. |
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− | Complete primary uterine inertia occurs if '''2nd stage labour''' does not begin. Partial inertia occurs if the 2nd stage begins but contractions soon fail.
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− | == Secondary Uterine Inertia == | + | === Secondary Uterine Inertia === |
− | Uterine muscles become '''exhausted after prolonged contraction''' against an obstructing or oversized foetus or during birth of a large litter. There is usually subclinical '''hypocalcaemia and/or hypoglycaemia'''.
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− | This can occur in the sow, bitch and guinea pig.
| + | * Dystocia with subsequent muscle failure |
| + | * Large number or size of offspring causes the uterine muscle to become stretched and fatigued. |
| + | * Common in sow, bitch and guinea pig |
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− | ==Diagnosis==
| + | [[Category:Reproductive Disorders]][[Category:Parturition]] |
− | '''Physical examination''' may help identify foetuses in the birth canal. Digital examination of the vagina will also enable the uterine and vaginal tone to be assessed.
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− | Lack of a response to pressure per vaginum indicates a '''lack of the [[Parturition Endocrine Control - Anatomy & Physiology#Ferguson Reflex|Ferguson reflex]]''' which indicates uterine intertia.
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− | '''Radiography''' can be taken to assess the number and size of foetuses.
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− | '''Ultrasound''' can help assess foetal viability.
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− | ==Treatment==
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− | If the bitch is in good condition with normal sized puppies and no obstruction, '''medical treatment''' can be attempted.
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− | '''Oxytocin''' can be administered intramuscularly, repeated at 30 minutes for a maximum of 3 injections.
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− | '''Calcium gluconate''' or dextrose solution can also be administered if a suspicion of hypocalcaemia or hypoglycaemia exists.
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− | A '''caesarean section''' is indicated if there is no response to the oxytocin, or if the foetuses are too large for a vaginal birth.
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− | <big>'''See also: [[Dystocia - Dog & Cat#Clinical approach to dystocia in small animals|Clinical Approach to Dystocia in the Dog and Cat]]'''</big>
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− | {{Learning
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− | |flashcards = [[Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery Q&A 12]]
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− | }}
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− | ==References==
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− | Pasquini, C. (1999) '''Tschauner's Guide to Small Animal Clinics''' ''Sudz Publishing''
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− | Slatter, D. (2002) '''Textbook of small animal surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
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− | Noakes, D. (2001) '''Arthur's Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
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− | {{review}}
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− | ==Webinars==
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− | <rss max="10" highlight="none">https://www.thewebinarvet.com/urogenital-and-reproduction/webinars/feed</rss>
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− | [[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]]
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− | [[Category:Reproductive Disorders]][[Category:Parturition]][[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Dog]] | |