Species: Dog
Condition: Uterine Inertia, Primary
Organ System: Urogenital
Uterine inertia is characterized by the failure of a bitch to expel the fetus normally. This is a common cause of dystocia in dogs and the problem has been identified as primary or secondary. Primary uterine inertia has been described as the total or partial absence of uterine contractions which are needed to expel a normal fetus through an open birth canal. The potential causes of the condition include breed disposition, large litter that caused overstretching of the uterus, a small litter that fails to exert enough pressure on the uterine wall and cervix, and the presence of an underlying systemic disease. Your veterinarian may conduct a physical examination to pinpoint the presence of the fetus in the birth canal and assess the uterine and vaginal muscle tone. A lack of response to vaginal pressure indicates the existence of uterine inertia. Radiographic tests and ultrasound can help assess the number, size and viability of the fetus. Medical treatment can first be attempted if the bitch is in good condition however a C-section may be indicated if the dog does not show response to oxytocin administration or the fetuses are too large for the birth canal.
Breeds exposed to Uterine Inertia, Primary – Research Reference
“Miniature Poodle Cross – (Rubin 1989
Griffon Brabancon Cross – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
Griffon Cross – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
“Lhasa Apso Cross – (Gelatt & Mackay 2004a
“Boston Terrier Cross – (Rubin 1989
Chihuahua Cross – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
“Whippet Cross – (Rubin 1989
“Shih Tzu Cross – (Rubin 1989
“Lhasa Apso – (Gelatt & Mackay 2004a
Chihuahua – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
Griffon Bruxellois – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
Griffon – (ACVO Genetics Committee 2007)
“Italian Greyhound – (Rubin 1989
“Shih Tzu – (Rubin 1989
“Whippet – (Rubin 1989
“Boston Terrier – (Rubin 1989
“Miniature Poodle – (Rubin 1989
“Cavoodle – (Rubin 1989
“Italian Greyhound Cross – (Rubin 1989
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Uterine Inertia, Primary or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
