SIGNS OF DYSTOCIA (DIFFICULT LABOR)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Dystocia is failure to progress during labor—an emergency.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
None—always medical.
MEDICAL
• Oversized fetus
• Malposition
• Uterine inertia
• Pelvic narrowing
EMERGENCY
• Fetus stuck
• Green discharge with no puppy/kitten
• Mom collapsing
RED FLAGS
• >2 hours between births
• Straining >30 minutes with no progress
• Fever
• Green-black discharge before first baby
AT-HOME CARE
None appropriate
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Ultrasound
• Physical exam
• Fetal heart rates
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Obstructive dystocia
• Uterine inertia
WHEN TO SCHEDULE
• Immediate: always
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Delayed care risks mother and babies.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Helpful for post-partum recovery.