Feline dystocia is a condition in which a cat has difficulty giving birth, often due to the kitten’s size or position. It can also be caused by malformation of the mother’s pelvic area, uterine inertia, weakness of labor contractions or an umbilical cord entanglement. In some cases, the mother might need assistance from a veterinarian in order to give birth.
If a cat has feline dystocia, it’s important to get veterinary care immediately. The veterinarian might be able to manually reposition the kittens or give medications to stimulate contractions. In some cases, a cesarean section will be necessary in order for the mother and kittens to survive.
Feline dystocia can be prevented by ensuring that the mother is healthy before breeding and taking her to a veterinarian for a pre-breeding exam. It’s also important for the mother to be fed a balanced, nutrient-dense diet throughout her pregnancy and to receive regular veterinary checkups.
Overall, feline dystocia is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. With timely treatment, the mother and kittens can often be saved.
Symptoms of Feline Dystocia
The main symptom of feline dystocia is difficulty giving birth. Other signs can include:
- Anxiety or restlessness in the mother
- Lack of progress in labor after a few hours
- Abnormal position of kittens
- Contractions that are too weak to expel the kittens
- Constant straining without producing any kittens
- Abnormally prolonged labor
- Blood or fluid discharge from their vagina
- Abdomen swelling
- Appetite loss
- Excessive vocalizations
- Listlessness or depression Treatment of Feline Dystocia
If a cat has dystocia, it’s important to get veterinary care immediately. The veterinarian might be able to manually reposition the kittens or give medications to stimulate contractions. In some cases, a cesarean section will be necessary in order for the mother and kittens to survive. Antibiotics could be used to prevent infection.
Diagnosing Feline Dystocia
The veterinarian will need to perform a physical exam on the mother to diagnose feline dystocia. The doctor can also use x-rays or ultrasound to examine the position of the kittens within the womb and determine whether a cesarean section is necessary.
Stage of Feline Dystocia
Feline dystocia is typically split into four stages, depending on the severity of the condition. The stages are:
Stage 1
Mild difficulty in labor with some contractions.
Stage 2
Moderate difficulty in labor with few contractions.
Stage 3
Severe difficulty in labor without any contractions.
Stage 4
Complete obstruction of the birth canal with no progress.
Treating Feline Dystocia
Treating dystocia will depend on the severity of the condition and the stage in which it’s diagnosed. In mild cases, manual repositioning of the kittens could be enough to help them pass through the birth canal. Medication could also be given to stimulate contractions or relax the mother’s pelvis.
Preventing Feline Dystocia
Dystocia can be prevented by ensuring that the mother is healthy before breeding and taking her to a veterinarian for a pre -breeding exam. It’s also important for the mother to be fed a balanced, nutrient-dense diet throughout her pregnancy and to receive regular veterinary checkups. Cats should never be bred if they are too young or too old, because their age increases their risk of complications during labor.