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==Stages of Parturition==
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*Stage 1: this is the preparatory stage, starting at the onset of regular uterine contractions followed by cervical dilatation and the foetus assuming the correct disposition for passage through the birth canal.
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*Stage 2: the expulsive stage, characterised by the onset of abdominal contractions which together with uterine contractions lead to foetal expulsion
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*Stage 3: separation and expulsion of the foetal membranes. In polycotous species second and third stages are often inter-mixed.
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==Stages of Parturition==
   
The following table summarises the normal time taken to progress through the stages of parturition in different species.
 
The following table summarises the normal time taken to progress through the stages of parturition in different species.
 
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===[[Parturition Behaviour - Sow| Sow]] ===
 
===[[Parturition Behaviour - Sow| Sow]] ===
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===[[Parturition Behaviour - Bitch| Bitch]] ===
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===[[Parturition Behaviour - Cat| Cat]] ===
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== Bitch ==
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=== Stage 1 ===
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* Lasts ~ 12 hours
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* Prepares the bed
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* If carrying one pup, the onset of lactation coincides with parturition.
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* If carrying multiple pups, milk may be expressed from the teats several days prior to the onset of parturition.
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* Body temperature subnormal by at least 1.2◦C within 24 hours before the onset of labour.
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* Restless
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* Indifferent to food
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* Panting
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=== Stage 2 ===
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* Depends upon the number of foetuses, but usually lasts ~6 hours.
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* Straining indicates the onset of the second stage.
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* Bitch remains in her bed in sternal recumbency
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* 'Water bag' of the first foetus appears at the vulva, and attains the size of a golf ball.
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* Bitch licks the vulva vigorously and usually ruptures the 'water bag'.
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* Delivery of the head requires the greates effort, once this is bord the rest of the foetus follows easily.
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* Expulsion of the first foetus may take up to 1 hour.
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* Umbillical cord is intact at birth, the mother will soon bite it away.
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* Bitch rests for a time after the birth of the first puppy.
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** Lies licking the puppy, which soon begins to suckle.
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** Pays frequent attention to the vulva and licks any discharge.
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* Foetal membranes generally voided in 10-15 minutes and eaten by the bitch.
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* Straining recommences after a delay of 30 minutes - 2 hours.
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* Effort and time required for subsequent deliveries is usually less than the first.
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* May rest in between subsequent deliveries, but may not.  The period of rest is also very variable.
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* Puppies tend to be expelled from alternate horns (unlike the sow).
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* Expulsion of foetal membranes is also irregular, they may come out individually, or the next puppy may be born with the membranes of its predeccessor around its neck.
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=== Stage 3 ===
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* Membranes of the last foetus are expelled with it or shortly afterwards.
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* Discharge is dark green in colour.
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** Due to breakdown of the marginal haematoma, blood pigment biliverdin escapes.
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[[Category:Parturition]][[Category:Reproductive Behaviour]]
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== Cat ==
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During the last week of pregnancy, the queen seeks a nesting area.  This is usually a quiet, undisturbed spot but some house cats will demand more human contact.Mammary development becomes noticable in the last week of pregnancy, especially in maiden cats. Rectal temperature may fall a few days before parturition, but this is not a reliable indicator.
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=== Stage 1 ===
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* Restless
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* Frequently visits the site for kittening
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* Occasionally lies down and will strain unproductively.
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=== Stage 2 ===
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* Straining in lateral recumbency.
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* Rapid expulsion of kittens with a short interval between each birth.
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* Parturition usually complete within a few hours.
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* If the queen is alarmed, this may disrupt the pattern and she may move the kittens to a new area before parturition resumes.
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* Soon after birth the kittens begin to suckle.
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=== Stage 3 ===
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* Placentae usually expelled still attached to the foetus or shortly afterwards.
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* Consumed by the queen.
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* Breakdown of marginal haematoma releases biliverdin, giving the discharge a brownish colour.
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[[Category:Parturition]][[Category:Reproductive Behaviour]]
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[[Category:Parturition]]
 
[[Category:Parturition]]
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[[Category:Bullet Points]]
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