birthing problem

Question
Hi Norman

I have a queen that is having trouble, she had 1 kitten about midnight and we have given her half a ml of oxcytocin at 2 am and another half a ml at 4 am as she has been having contractions and nothing is happening. This is her first litter and we couldn't feel anything in the vulva when we inserted a finger to see if we could help pull out the baby.
How long can we leave her before having to have veterinary attention?

Hope that you may be of assistance.

Thanks
Helen

Answer
Helen,

Our rule of thumb is that if there are no kittens after 2 hours after an oxytocin shot and you are sure there is another kitten inside, it is time to get to the vet!!!!!

Given the amount of oxytocin you have given, she should have produced something.  The danger of giving too much oxytocin is that there is a chance the uterus can be ruptured.

Again, get your queen to the vet post haste!!!!!

Please let me know what happens.

Concerned regards... Norm.