Whelping in pets
Dr W J Grobler BVSc
Most aspects of giving birth in dogs and cats are very similar, so this general discussion applies to both species. Minor differences will be pointed out in the text.
The gestation period in pets is more or less 63 days, but in certain cat breeds it may be as short as 58 days. Larger dog breeds may carry up to 5 days longer. Since the fertile period of heat stretches over a few days, it is not always possible to determine the exact due date.
To determine whether an animal is pregnant, an abdominal examination is done at least three weeks after breeding. In large, overweight or nervous bitches it may however be very difficult in which case an ultrasound examination is done. It is however near impossible to establish the number of young or whether the mother will be able to deliver them due to the tremendous size variation amongst different breeds.
At about six weeks of pregnancy the mother's abdomen starts swelling rapidly and the mammary glands start developing. Milk will start being produced about a week before birth. She will eat more ravenously and will become more and more reluctant to move. In small breeds the discomfort could be very obvious especially towards the end of pregnancy.
The last 24h before giving birth most mothers will stop eating altogether and they will start making a nest. (Often in a totally different site that the owner had in mind) Animals that are used to a lot of attention usually seek even more attention at this stage. A clear indicator of the last day is that the dog's temperature drops by a full degree. If her temperature is taken twice daily from about a week prior to the expected date, the due date could be established quite accurately.
The birth process in pets involves three stages of which the second and third follow each other in quick succession:
During the first stage the mother appears very uncomfortable due to contractions of the uterus. These contractions are often visible through the abdominal wall. This stage lasts quite long (even a few hours) and it should not be confused with the second stage or proper labour. At this stage there is very little discharge and the mother will not yet actively strain as in the next stage. It is important to keep yourself and the mother as calm as possible during the whole process
With the advent of the second stage the first pup/kitten starts being moved through the cervix to the outside, except if it is too big. The mother wil start straining to help it on its way.
At one time or other of this stage some clear fluid will be discharged. After several minutes either a dark sac or some body part of the new arrival will be visible. At this stage there should be rather rapid progress, else the pup/kitten may asphyxiate. If you are unsure about anything rather contact your vet for advice.
When the fetus has been born, the mother should break the membrane around it and start licking it. This often doesn't happen in breeds like Pugs, Persians and Pekingese, in which case the owner should break the membrane over the fetus' head and pull it back off the body. Healthy young will very soon after start wriggling and taking their first deep breaths.
Very soon after birth the afterbirth is expelled and eaten by the mother. This is the third stage of the birth process. If the mother does not bite through the umbilical cord, the owner should tie it off with clean thread about 5 mm from the abdomen and cut it off with a disinfected pair of scissors on the afterbirth side of the knot.
The mother will take a bit of a breather and then continue her labours. In most cases not more than half an hour should pass between young, but if she has delivered five or six, the mother may rest an hour or so to gather momentum for the rest of the large litter.
WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT THE VETERINARIAN?
- If the bitch has been covered by a big male or if she has a history of difficult birth (dystocia).
- If there is a dark green discharge (coming from the placenta) without any progress in half an hour.
- If the mother has been straining for half an hour without any progress whatsoever.
- If there is a bloody discharge before the due date.
- If the discharge has an odour, action should be taken immediately — the young have died and the mother's life is in danger.
- If the mother stops eating or eats poorly during the pregnancy — this may indicate a disease such as billiary or tick bite fever that may induce an abortion and needs to be treated as soon as possible.
NB: Do not administer contraceptives meant for humans in your pet especially if it is already in heat!!