Primary uterine inertia in Dogs

Breeds documented
5
Published sources
2

Overview

When the uterus does not produce effective contractions at birth, puppies may not be delivered despite a clear birth canal. This is called primary uterine inertia, a common cause of a difficult birth. Small litters may provide too little stimulation, while very large litters can overstretch the uterine muscle. The problem differs from contractions stopping because the mother has become exhausted by an obstruction.

Signs to watch for

  • Labor does not begin when expected.
  • Weak contractions without a puppy being delivered.
  • Dark green vaginal discharge before the first puppy.

This occurs at the end of pregnancy, when birth should begin or progress.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog has dark green discharge before her first puppy.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet checks the pregnancy history, examines the mother, and looks for a blockage in the birth canal. X-rays help assess puppy number, size, and position. Ultrasound checks whether the puppies are alive and showing distress. Blood tests can identify problems such as low blood sugar that may affect management.

Breeds with documented risk

5 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Small
  • 1 Medium
  • 3 Large

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. elib.tiho-hannover.de
  2. merckvetmanual.com