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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
Pit bull mix
1 year 3 months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Laying On Her Side Breathing Hard And Seems Uncomfortable
My dog is in labor I think but she isn’t digging or panting she has been doing that in short stages but just seems like she isn’t going into full labor
Aug. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It can be normal in the first stage of Labor to become restless and then stop. That can go on for a day or two. If your dog continues to do this, or if she starts to strain and no puppies are coming, then it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian right away. I hope that all goes well for her.
Aug. 27, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Husky
2 years old
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Labor
Been in labor for awhile and still no contractions
Aug. 5, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Without being able to examine your dog, it is very difficult for me to say if there's a problem. If she is in labor and there is no signs of puppies, it would probably be best for her to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can determine if there is a problem or not. Sometimes it can take a little bit of time for them to have puppies, and she may have puppies as soon as you stop watching. If she is actively having labor, and no puppies are coming, that is an emergency, and she needs be taken to the ER. I hope that all goes well for her.
Aug. 5, 2020
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Miniature Australian Shepherd
Four Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Stalled Labor
My female is having her 3rd litter of puppies. We had an X-ray done and saw at least 5. She has had two puppies, and has not had another in 2 hours now. She had never had trouble before. I have her goats milk about 30 minutes ago. She is more worried about the two she has delivered than pushing. Should I be worried yet? No green discharge, no excessive blood loss. All placentas (2) have been delivered so far.
Aug. 2, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, I recommend taking her to your vet. No puppies in 2 hours after the last one can be a problem.
Aug. 2, 2020
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English Bulldog Terrier
Nine Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Labor
My dog gave birth to a puppy and it was dead, it has passed 9 hours and still no other puppies
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
She may have only had one puppy, or there may be more to come. If she is still in labor, or is trying to pass puppies, it would be a good idea to have her seen by a veterinarian right away. If you are not sure if there are more puppies, they can take an xray and tell you if there are more, and see if she needs help.
I hope that all goes well for her.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Basset Hound
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Labor
Dog has been panting and in labor for 5 hours but no puppy just a placenta bubble coming out of her vagina since 3 hours ago
July 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, thank you for your question.
This is an emergency, I recommend that you seek veterinary attention immediately. Please call your veterinarian or the closest emergency veterinary clinic right away to have your dog seen.
I hope that everything turns out okay for her and the puppies!
July 30, 2020
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Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
