The Revision Guide for Student Nurses (Part I)

Dystocia - Key Notes

Type Cause
Primary uterine inertia Poor condition of uterine musculature in old, obese or debilitated dams
Over-stretching of uterus due to large litter size
Poor stimulus for parturition if very small litter size
Poor stimulus for parturition if low plasma calcium concentrations
Secondary uterine inertia Uterine exhaustion after contractions have started
Causative factors may be as for primary uterine inertia
Obstructive dystocia such as deformity of the pelvic bones or soft tissue defects

 

Type Cause
Foetal oversize Small litter of large foetuses
Breed conformation Large head size (eg. Bull Dog)
Developmental defect Hydrocephalus or Oedema
Abnormal foetal alignment Faulty presentation, position or posture