Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
RESPONDING TO A
DIFFICULT LABOR
Just like humans, cats can experience problems with delivery.
Dystocia
is the term used to describe difficulty during the birthing
process. A cat who has a prolonged, nonproductive labor, has gone
67 days without going into labor or has a kitten stuck and protrud-
ing from the vulva would be considered in dystocia. A weak or sick
queen, a kitten turned backwards in the birth canal, a kitten who is
too large to pass through the birth canal and a dead kitten in the
uterus holding the others back are all causes of dystocia.
If a queen is having contractions for an hour without producing
any kittens, seek veterinary help. A veterinarian will take an X ray
to see where the kittens are and to see if there are any abnormali-
ties. He will also check the queen's blood to see if she is having any
problems, such as low calcium or low blood sugar, which would
prevent her from having normal contractions. If ultrasound is avail-
able, this test can check for fetal heartbeats and distress.
A doctor may induce the queen's labor with drugs or even con-
sider performing a caesarian section, depending on the situation. If
there are no apparent problems, the first step is to induce labor. If
induction is not successful, a caesarian section is necessary.When
surgery is performed, there is increased risk that the kittens will
not survive.
after giving birth. The discharge might look like blood or might even
be green and mucoid, but it should not look like pus. If it looks like
pus, consult your veterinarian.
If you have a queen who likes to roam, try to confine her in a room
with her kittens so that they aren't neglected. Also be careful about flea
control. If a queen has fleas, they can jump to the kittens and cause life-
threatening anemia.
Examining Newborns
Unfortunately, kittens can be stillborn. If a kitten is not crying and wig-
gling after the placenta has been removed, pick her up and try to see if
she is alive. You can
gently
shake her upside down to try to clear any
mucus from her mouth and throat. Touch the chest to check for a
heartbeat. Check for jaw and muscle tone by opening the mouth and
moving the limbs, and if all feels limp, the kitten is probably not alive.
