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Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems in Dogs
Written By Mel Lee-Smith
Published: 03/10/2016Updated: 12/22/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What are Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems?
Stalled labor and delivery problems refer to abnormal uterine contractions during birth. There are 2 types of stalled labor and delivery problems in dogs: primary and secondary uterine inertia.
Primary uterine inertia is a rare condition that occurs when a dog doesn’t experience contractions at all. The presence of a dark green liquid called placental fluid is the only way to confirm she’s in labor. Secondary uterine inertia occurs when the mother dog has strong contractions that decrease in strength or disappear.
Both types are a form of dystocia, or difficult birth. Several factors can cause stalled labor and delivery problems, including your dog’s genetics and environment. If your dog is displaying signs of labor and it’s close to her due date, you should monitor her closely. Seek veterinary help immediately if:
- your dog produces placental fluid without having contractions or birthing puppies
- there’s a delay of 2 hours or longer between puppies
Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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Symptoms of Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems in Dogs
The symptoms of stalled labor and delivery problems depend on the type of inertia the bitch is experiencing.
Primary Uterine Inertia
- Failure to go into labor within 70 days after ovulation
- Signs of pain or being uncomfortable, though these may be subtle
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums
- Dark green vaginal discharge
Secondary Uterine Inertia
- Prolonged labor
- Straining without producing a pup
- Longer than two hours between pups
- Delivery of a dead pup
- Distress or illness of the mother
- Pup visibly stuck in the birth canal
- Dark green vaginal discharge
Causes of Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems in Dogs
Your dog’s age and weight may cause stalled labor and delivery problems. Overweight and older dogs have a higher risk of birth difficulties. Other causes of primary and secondary inertia in dogs include:
- Small litters with only 1 or 2 puppies
- Large litters that overstretch the uterus
- Failure to produce hormones that trigger contractions
- Puppy lodged in the birth canal
- Low blood sugar
- Calcium deficiency
- Exhaustion of the uterine muscles
- Physical traits (narrow pelvis, uterine torsion, etc.)
- Uterine tumors or other obstructions in the birth canal
- History of uterine inertia
Diagnosis of Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems in Dogs
First, your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine whether an underlying condition is causing the stalled labor or delivery problems. Provide as much detail as you can about your dog's symptoms, medical history, and recent behavioral changes.
Some tests will be necessary to determine what's causing the uterine inertia, including:
- Blood chemistry panel to check oxytocin, albumin, calcium, and glucose levels
- Urinalysis
- Vaginal examination to check for amniotic sac, presentation of the fetus, tone and dimensions of the vaginal canal
- Ultrasound to assess the health of the puppies
- X-rays of the abdomen to check for position of puppies and any blockages
Treatment of Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems in Dogs
To ensure the mother and puppies survive, prompt treatment is crucial. Dogs experiencing primary uterine inertia require an emergency cesarean section (C-section). Your vet may recommend oxytocin injections to stimulate contractions, although one vet notes most dogs with primary uterine inertia don’t respond to them.
In the case of secondary uterine inertia, the veterinarian may try to restart the labor and contractions. Calcium and oxytocin may be administered, but only if your dog and her puppies are in good health and not in distress. If one puppy is blocking the birth canal, your vet may try to reposition it. If a large litter is the cause, a C-section may be required. If the puppies aren't breathing upon delivery, your vet will administer oxygen.
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Recovery of Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems in Dogs
Prompt treatment is key for a good prognosis, particularly for primary uterine inertia. If the C-section is performed too late, the puppies may die and the mother dog may develop a serious, life-threatening infection.
If your dog is able to birth the puppies safely with the help of her veterinarian, she'll be able to go home after a short observation period. Place her in a comfortable, quiet place where she and her puppies won't be disturbed by other people and animals. Your vet may prescribe opioids like tramadol for post-operative pain.
Follow all your vet's instructions, and make a note of any symptoms or behavioral changes during the recovery period.
Cost of Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems in Dogs
While medicine alone (such as an injection of oxytocin) can treat some cases of stalled labor and delivery, other dogs will require an emergency C-section. The cost varies depending on the treatment but can be up to $2,500.
Caring for a pregnant or breeding dog can be expensive. Most accident and illness policies don’t cover costs related to pregnancy. But some providers, like Trupanion, offer add-ons that reimburse vet care costs. Start comparing pet insurance plans today to find the right fit for your fur-baby.
Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Top
Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepherd
One and a half years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Labor
She had her first pup approximately 1 hr ago it was still born and she hasn’t delivered another since
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. An hour between puppies is not a long time, and as long as she is comfortable and not actively straining to have a puppy, you should be fine to continue to watch her. It can be an hour or two between puppies. If she is straining actively, pushing down and nothing is happening for 20 or 30 minutes, then that is an emergency and she would need to be seen at an ER. I hope that all goes well for her and the puppies.
Sept. 27, 2020
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None
Seven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Passed A Bag With 2 Dead Puppies
We have a Manchester like dog that has lived in my neighborhood (no owner) I’ve been feeling her & she’s pregnant today she came in there was a brown spot on the cover she was laying on & I saw a sack like with two dead (not developed)puppies in it & she’s still pregnant with puppies moving in her stomach ! She’s a real sweet dog I’m planning on getting her fixed because nobody takes care of her . I believe an old lady that moved a couple of years ago just left her & she’s had several liters ,plus she’s getting too old ! I’m very worried about her
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 18, 2020
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Maltese and Shih Tzu (Malshi)
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pregnant
my bitch has been breed July 24, 25, and 26. I am aware that she has feom the 22nd through 27 to deliver but her due date was today on the 25th but she is no showing any labor signs. Should I be worried
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
If she was showing no signs of labor, she is probably not ready to have the pups yet. I hope that all is going well with her, and if she is still not showing any signs of labor, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Aspin local dog
Five Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pregnant
Pregnant
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Siberian Husky
11/2
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gave Birth To One Pup Over 30 Hrs Ago But It Seems Like She'S Have Contracting
What can I do to help her have the puppies when a vet is not around
Sept. 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If she is having contractions periodically and seems relaxed, she may be fine and the puppy May deliver normally. If she is having contractions for more than 30 minutes and no puppy is produced, then there is nothing that you can do at home, she needs to see a veterinarian, as that maybe an emergency for her.. I hope that all goes well for her and her puppies are healthy.
Sept. 20, 2020
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Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
