Secondary uterine inertia in the cat: what it is, symptoms, remedies


Secondary uterine inertia is one of the complications that can arise during the birth of the cat: let’s find out together what it is.

Childbirth is a very delicate moment for every animal species, including humans, as it can present complications that can even be lethal. One of them is secondary uterine inertia, which can complicate labour and put the cat’s life at risk. Here’s what to know about the subject.


The various forms of dystocia

The birth of pets, with some exceptions (think of the caesarean section of the cat, a real surgery), takes place at home. This circumstance means that we could find ourselves facing unexpected difficulties of our pet in giving birth to puppies.

On average, about one in thirty-three cats faces a difficult birth; in the Devon Rex the percentage rises up to 18% probability (almost one in 5 cats). We speak of dystocia, which can be of three types:

  • Maternal
  • Fetal
  • Placental

The most common is the first; two out of three cases are in fact of maternal origin. How to realize the dystocia in the cat ?

The first phase of childbirth, called dilating, is where the contractions begin. Despite having no technical knowledge in the field of veterinary medicine, and not even any particular experience in the subject of giving birth to pets, it is quite easy to notice the beginning of the most vigorous contractions.

Well, if within 4 hours from the beginning of this phase the cat has not given birth to any kittens, we must start to worry; it being understood that difficulties can also arise during the second phase, the expulsive one, when at least one puppy is born.

It is also necessary to pay attention to any bleeding, as well as to the general health of the animal.


Secondary uterine inertia in the cat

Maternal dystocia, the most common, can occur in three forms:

  • Primary uterine inertia
  • Secondary uterine inertia
  • Fetal dystocia

Secondary uterine inertia is occasioned by the inability or inability of the uterus to contract cat. This causes the contractions to stop, which can be due to various causes.

The secondary uterine inertia in the cat occurs primarily in parts more numerous. In the expulsion of the last fetuses the oxytocin, abundantly present at the beginning, is lacking and this creates the difficulties of carrying out the birth, which has been prolonged for too long.


How to intervene

As mentioned, usually the birth of pets takes place at home.

This means that the owner will find himself, in the event of dystocia in the cat, having to intervene urgently. A home visit is not recommended, although it may appear, at first glance, the wisest thing to do, in order to keep the pregnant woman from moving.

The veterinarian could be faced with an emergency, however not having the tools to be able to operate immediately; for this reason it is advisable to transport the cat to her studio.

In the case of secondary uterine inertia, the professional will proceed to an injection of oxytocin, so that the cat can complete the birth.


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