Tocodynamometry in canine uterine inertia

Abstract

Early detection of uterine inertia is very crucial for the life of the foetus as well as that of the dam. Suitable methods for early detection of uterine inertia are lacking in canines compared to humans.Non-invasivetocodynamometry is a promising method, which is widely used in humans for the management of uterine inertia.In the present study non-invasive uterine contraction monitoring using the tocodynamometry was performed in dogs with Complete Primary Uterine Inertia (CPUI) and Partial Primary Uterine Inertia (PPUI), as well as in control animals with the Foetal Cause of Dystocia (FCD).In all the dogs belonging to CPUI and PPUI, the contractions were mild and infrequent with force near to the baseline, i.e., less than 15 mm of Hg. There were no reflex contractions in response to the feathering of the vaginal wall in a majority of dogs belonging to these two groups. In the FCD group, there were strong and frequent contractions lasting for two to three minutes with contraction force above 15mm of Hg, reaching up to 30-40 mm of Hg. Those dogs with less than 15 mm of Hg pressure and feeble or infrequent contractions without delivery for more than 30 min, could be considered as uterine inertia and suitable therapeutic options could be considered judiciously. Tocodynamometry was found to be an effective tool for the early detection of uterine inertia,whichhelped arriving at a quick judicious decision which is pertinent for better foetal and maternal survival.