Canine Dystocia: The Risk Factors and Treatment Methods in Dogs of Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract

Dystocia is a common disorder that can cause harmful health risks to bitch and puppies. The aim of the current study was to evaluate some risk factors related to canine dystocia and the application of treatment methods to 612 diagnosed cases in Gaia Pets Clinic and Resort, Hanoi, Vietnam, from December 2013 to May 2020. The investigated factors comprised age, parity and breed size, and litter size, as well as fetal sex in relation to the proportion of dystocia in female canines. Dystocia was frequently observed in female dogs aged 1-3 years, with rates of 76.1%. The highest proportion of dystocia was found in the first litter group (80.21%). The incidence of dystocia increased as the weight of the dog decreased, and it was prevalent in the small breed (61.93%). Dystocia risk decreased as the litter size increased. The interventions used in this study were medical treatment with the hormone oxytocin (1.8%), surgical management with cesarean section (86.11%), and a combination of oxytocin and cesarean section (12.09%), with the success rates of each treatment method as 100%, 98.86%, and 100%, respectively. Some risk factors, such as age, parity, breed size, and litter size identified in the present research, could be used as prognostic indicators in the veterinary practice to optimize the survival rate of female dogs and puppies.