<p>Dystokia may occur due to many causes, however in short it can be stated that anything, which increases the diameter of foetus e.g. monsters, postural abnormalities or any thing, which decreases the diameter of pelvis, or anything, which prevents the contraction of uterus, leads to dystokia in any species. Dystokia are rare in mongrel bitches but they are common in more specialized breeds. In the present study more dystokias were observed due to crackers during Diwali.</p><sec id="sec001"><title>Clinical case history and observations

JBVC

The Journal of Bombay Veterinary College

0971-1643

An Official Organ of Bombay Veterinary College Alumni Association

jbvc-12-1and2-022

SHORT COMMUNICATION

Crackers – A possible cause of uterine inertia in bitches

Birade

H. S.

Associate ProfessorDagli

N. R.

Assistant ProfessorRego

M.V.Sc. ScholarsTandel

M.V.Sc. ScholarsNadarge

M.V.Sc. ScholarsDhadake

S. M.

Assistant ProfessorMali

A. B.

Assistant ProfessorKadam

V. T.

Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai - 400 012 (India)

2004

121 and 263

<p>Dystokia may occur due to many causes, however in short it can be stated that anything, which increases the diameter of foetus e.g. monsters, postural abnormalities or any thing, which decreases the diameter of pelvis, or anything, which prevents the contraction of uterus, leads to dystokia in any species. Dystokia are rare in mongrel bitches but they are common in more specialized breeds. In the present study more dystokias were observed due to crackers during Diwali.</p><sec id="sec001"><title>Clinical case history and observations

In Mumbai, it is observed that most of the bitches exhibit heat during the month of August and the beginning of September and whelp in October and the early part of November. Usually, it is during this period, the festival of Diwali is celebrated and firecrackers are burst. In 2004, during the Diwali season, 4 bitches were brought to the S.P.C.A. hospital with a history of prolonged whelping. All four belonged to different owners and were of varying ages. Two of them were mixed breeds while the other two were Great Danes. In all the four cases, though the last pup had been delivered at least 6 hours prior to admission to the hospital, parturition had ceased.

The bitches were examined per vaginally and no pups could be palpated even though the cervix was dilated. On radiological examination minimum of three pups were detected in the uterus in all four cases. Treatment of uterine inertia- oxytocin, dextrose and calcium gluconate, was instituted, however, even after waiting up to 12 hours uterine contractions did not resume. Hence pan hysterectomy was performed at the owner's request. No live puppies were obtained and the bitches had uneventful recoveries with the usual post partum care.

On scanning, the hospital records it was noted that usually 1 to 2 canine dystokia/uterine inertia cases per month were admitted. However, during the week in which Diwali was celebrated the four cases mentioned above were admitted which represented a notable spurt in number as compared to the cases recorded normally during the course of the week. This might be attributed to the stress caused to whelping bitches by the noise of firecrackers. Normally, prior to the onset of parturition, bitches seclude themselves in a calm and quiet environment. Loud noises/sounds, which disturb them at this crucial time, may cause uterine inertia.

On scanning through the available literature, there was no parallel reference noted on firecrackers and uterine inertia, however similar to present observation. Canon (1953) reported that disturbances during the first stage of parturition in cows might inhibit uterine contractions, slowing the process. This may be due to the secretion of adrenaline, which blocks the action of oxytocin.

ReferencesCannon

W. B.

(1953). Bodily changes in pain, hunger, fear and rage. Bradford co., Boston.