Management of dystocia due to unilateral uterine torsion in a Labrador bitch: a surgical approach

Abstract

Uterine torsion is an uncommon disorder of bitch and is more likely to occur in the pregnant animals. A three-year-oldLabrador bitch was presented to the Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with the history of having delivered two live puppiesin the morning with no further signs of parturition. On abdominal palpation, the fetal mass was palpable. Radiography revealed threefetal skeletons and ultrasound revealed viable fetuses. Based on the history and clinical examination, the case was tentatively diagnosed asprimary uterine inertia. Even after two inductions, no puppies were delivered and hence to save the life of puppies, emergency caesareansection was performed. Right uterine horn torsion with severe necrosis was noticed upon laparotomy; hence, ovariohysterectomy wasperformed and the animal had an uneventful recovery.