Uterine Rupture - A Sequela of Dystocia in a Bitch and its Surgical management

Uterine rupture may occur during long standing cases of obstructive dystocia, accident during late pregnancy, improper obstetrical manipulations and inappropriate use of oxytocic drugs. Present communication describes a two year old bitch with obstructive dystocia. The bitch showed progressive signs of abdominal distension after delivering four live pups. The animal was administered oxytocin, dextrose normal saline and calcium gluconate. When medicinal therapy failed to relieve dystocia, the case was referred. Slight greenish coloured vaginal discharge was observed but, per vaginal examination failed to detect any foetus in birth canal. Abdominal palpation revealed a firm, non-painful mass in caudal abdominal area. Radiographic examination confirmed the presence of an abnormally positioned foetus. Anamnesis, clinico-physical and radiographic examination were suggestive of obstructive dystocia and it was planned to remove the offending foetus. One dead foetus protruding out of uterine rent was removed from right uterine horn by caesarotomy. Repair of uterine defect with double layer of Lembert suture and peritoneal lavage was performed. Post-operative antibiotics, analgesics and fluid therapy were prescribed and the bitch recovered uneventfully. Compared to other obstetrical disorders, uterine rupture is uncommon in bitch. In the present case, injudicious use of oxytocin might have predisposed to the uterine rupture.