Cat Dystocia Explained: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Precautions

Cat Dystocia Explained: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Precautions

As the number of cat owners increases, so does the number of new kittens. However, due to a lack of cat care knowledge among some cat owners, many adorable little ones die in the womb, jeopardizing the safety of the mother cat's life. To prevent tragedies, this article will detail the symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and precautions of cat dystocia, helping you make the right decisions when a mother cat experiences dystocia.

What is Cat Dystocia?

Cat dystocia refers to difficulty in labor experienced by the mother cat, making it impossible to deliver the kittens smoothly. It usually occurs during the second stage of labor, which is the stage of kitten delivery. However, it's important to note that in the case of multiple kittens, there may be variations between the second and third stages, so intermittent dystocia may occur.

Causes of Cat Dystocia

The causes of cat dystocia can be broadly divided into two categories:

1. Maternal Factors:

Old age: As cats age, their uterine function gradually declines, leading to weak uterine contractions and a higher risk of dystocia.
Obesity: Obesity increases pressure on the mother cat's birth canal, making it difficult for kittens to be delivered smoothly.
Insufficient cervical dilation: Insufficient cervical dilation can prevent kittens from entering the birth canal, leading to dystocia.
Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia causes weak uterine contractions and difficulty expelling kittens.
Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia weakens the mother cat's physical strength, making labor difficult.
Insufficient oxytocin secretion: Oxytocin is a critical hormone that promotes uterine contractions. Insufficient secretion can lead to weak uterine contractions and dystocia.
Uterine rupture: Uterine rupture is a serious complication that can lead to kitten death and even the death of the mother cat.
Uterine tumors: Uterine tumors can block the passage of kittens through the birth canal, leading to dystocia.
Narrowing: Narrowing of the birth canal can prevent kittens from passing through smoothly, leading to dystocia.
Ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterus, leading to dystocia.

2. Fetal Factors:

Large fetus: If the kitten is too large for the mother cat's birth canal capacity, it can lead to dystocia.
Large fetal head: Some brachycephalic breeds of cats have large fetal heads, which can get stuck in the birth canal and lead to dystocia.
Stillbirth: Stillbirth can block the delivery of other kittens, leading to dystocia.
Fetal abnormalities: Fetal malformations or developmental problems can lead to dystocia.
Abnormal fetal presentation: If the kitten's position in the uterus is abnormal, such as breech or transverse, it can lead to dystocia.

Diagnosis of Cat Dystocia

The diagnosis of cat dystocia requires a combination of clinical symptoms and auxiliary tests.

1. Clinical Symptoms:

Discharge of green-black secretions (uterine pigment) for more than 2 hours before kitten delivery.
Ferguson reflex (gentle stimulation of the posterior vaginal wall) is weak or absent.
Strong abdominal contractions lasting over 30 minutes without kitten delivery.
Intermittent abdominal contractions lasting more than 4 hours without kitten delivery.
Continuous contractions for over 10 minutes with the kitten still in the birth canal.
Intervals between kitten deliveries exceeding 2 hours.
The mother cat vocalizes during abdominal contractions and licks her vulva.
Acute depression during the second stage of labor (usually associated with uterine rupture).
Fresh vaginal bleeding lasting over 10 minutes.
Pregnancy duration exceeding 68 days from the date of mating.

2. Auxiliary Diagnosis:

Palpation: Palpation can determine the size of the fetus, but the accuracy is not high.
Radiography: Radiography can determine the size, number, and position of the fetus. Radiography can also determine the size and shape of the birth canal.
Ultrasonography: Ultrasonography can observe fetal movements and heart contractions, providing the most accurate assessment of fetal vitality. If the fetal heart rate is below 195 beats per minute or above 260 beats per minute, it may be diagnosed as fetal distress. This diagnostic method can also be used to determine the response to oxytocin treatment when uterine weakness is present.

Treatment of Cat Dystocia

Treatment for cat dystocia mainly involves medication and surgery.

1. Medication Treatment:

Calcium supplements: If the mother cat has low blood calcium, 10% calcium gluconate can be administered, while monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias, especially bradycardia.
Oxytocin: Oxytocin promotes uterine contractions to help deliver kittens.

2. Surgical Treatment:

Cesarean section: Cesarean section is performed when medication is ineffective or if the mother cat has uterine conditions (such as uterine relaxation, uterine torsion, or uterine rupture).

Precautions for Cat Dystocia

Cesarean section can be lifesaving for the mother cat and kittens, so do not delay the surgery unnecessarily.
Cats can independently control labor, and environmental stress can prolong or delay the onset of labor.
If a mother cat exhibits symptoms of dystocia, consult a veterinarian immediately to avoid delays in treatment and maximize the chances of survival for both mother and kittens.

Conclusion

Cat dystocia is an emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. To prevent cat dystocia, owners should consider the following during a mother cat's pregnancy:

Regular prenatal checkups: Take the mother cat to the veterinary clinic for regular prenatal checkups to identify potential risk factors and take preventive measures.
Provide adequate nutrition: Provide adequate nutrition during pregnancy to ensure the healthy growth of both the mother cat and the fetus.
Maintain a quiet environment: Maintain a quiet environment during pregnancy to avoid excessive fright, which can affect the mother cat's health and fetal development.
Prepare in advance: Before the mother cat is due to give birth, owners should prepare in advance by preparing a birthing room, disinfectants, etc., to ensure a smooth delivery.

Finally, we hope this article can help all cat owners to remain calm in the event of dystocia in their cats, take timely measures, and ensure the safety of both mother and kittens.

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