Reproduction Problems
Pyometra
Pyometra is a severe bacterial infection with accumulation of pus within the uterus. Although it often occurs with middle-aged or older unspayed females, younger dogs are sometimes affected. Pyometra most commonly develops a few weeks after a heat cycle. The condition results from hormonal changes that decrease the normal resistance to infection. As a result, bacteria enters the uterus when the cervix is open during the heat cycle and large volumes of pus can accumulate.
Signs of Pyometra include loss of appetite, excessive thirst, depression, and vomiting. Sometimes, there is a vaginal discharge. The disease may develop very slowly over several weeks.
Surgical removal of the infected uterus is the treatment of choice. Surgery consists of removing both ovaries and uterus, which not only corrects the condition, but also eliminates bothersome heat cycles. Because the patient is ill and the uterus is infected, the surgery is more complicated and carries a higher risk than a routine spay. Blood tests are useful in both diagnosing and evaluating surgical risk. Post-operative treatment includes antibiotics and intravenous fluids.
Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A Cesarean section is a procedure to surgically remove puppies or kittens from the uterus when natural (unassisted) delivery of the young is impossible or potentially harmful to the mother or offspring.
The reasons for a cesarean section are numerous and varied. The female may be too sick to deliver the young. Mechanical obstructions in the birth canal caused by such things as old fractures, tumors, or abdominal masses may be unusually large. Sometimes this surgery is planned well in advance because of known problems. At other times, difficulties develop at the time of birth and the decision to perform surgery must be made immediately. It is usually necessary to remove the uterus at the time of the surgery.
After full recovery from a c-section, the mother usually assumes her normal maternal duties. The incision and sutures from the surgery rarely interfere with nursing.
Pregnancy and Post Delivery Care
Before you decide to breed: Play the Pet Overpopulation Game
The breeding of dogs is something that requires considerable thought and planning. Before you breed, be sure that the parents are free from genetic defects (such as heart disease, hip dysplasia, tooth abnormalities, etc.) and are in good health. Since as much as 50% of a puppies personality is genetic, be sure that both parents have good dispositions.
In Clark County, you must also have a Breeder's permits. These are easy to obtain and simply indicate that you will be maintaining high quality breed standards, showing your dogs, and will keep the breeding within safe and reasonable limits.
Simply having 'papers' on a puppy bought at a pet-store does not mean you have a good breeding dog. You probably have a 'puppy-mill' puppy that was rejected for breeding by the breeder.
Be aware that not all pregnancies are without complications, difficult deliveries, cesarean sections, still borne puppies and neonatal death are not uncommon. Also be aware that your female may have life-threatening complications as well, especially in small breed dogs.
In addition, consider the ethical delimma that for every puppy you bring into the world, another dog will be euthanized at the shelters. Pet-overpopulation is a major problem with millions of dogs and cat euthanized every year. For more stats, play the Pet Overpopulation Game.
In the long-run, quality breeding will not make you money. It usually costs more for healthy puppies and bitches than you can make.
If you are still intent on breeding, then the following steps are recommended to help reduce the complications of pregnancy, delivery and neonatal complications.
Pre-Breeding Evaluation: To determine the health of the mother and assist in the timing of mating. And to rule out the afore-mentioned genetic problems. No female should be bred until she is at least 2 years of age.
After Breeding: A pregnancy check should be conducted at approximately 21 days post-breeding. This will give us an idea about when delivery should occur and help you plan. Also, if we suspect fetal death or reabsorption, then this examination will assist in determining if pregnancy occurred in the first place. The ultrasound is good at evaluating the pups; however, do not expect a reliable count of the feti.
Second Pregnancy Evaluation: A second pregnancy check by means of an x-ray may be useful to help determine the number of pups present around or after day 55 of gestation.
After Birth: A post-whelping exam second be conducted on the mother to determine her milk supply, to be sure all puppies have been delivered and to check for signs of infection or other complications. This should be done the day after whelping.
Dewclaw and Tail Removal: In dogs that will be show-quality, dewclaws and tails are best removed at four to six days old. The tails and dewclaws are aseptically prepared, removed and sutured. Different breeds have different standards and requirements -- please check with AKC for this information.
At 6 - 8 Weeks of Age: Puppies should remain with the litter until 7-8 weeks of age, especially small breed puppies. The first distemper/parvo vaccine and examination should be done at six to eight weeks of age. During this examination, the puppies can be examined for birth defects and developmental disorders, a fecal sample should be checked for internal parasites and the puppies should be started on their protective immunizations.
http://www.acc-d.org/ is an organization dedicated to research for non-surgical sterilization for dogs and cats.