Dystocia after Unwanted Mating as One of the Risk Factors in Non-Spayed Bitches—A Retrospective Study

摘要

This is an article presenting the clinical data on the incidence of difficult labour in dogs being mated without owners’ intentions (accidental mating, unplanned breeding). Despite the widespread availability of spaying and its safety, unplanned and unwanted pregnancies in dogs are still a frequent concern. Unfortunately, in 8.3% (76/914) of cases, they result in difficult labour and deadly complications for the dam and her litter. Better owners’ education about the importance of neutering their pets and understanding of the benefits of early spaying by animal shelter managements and by breeders selling pets might improve the situation in the future. On the other hand, in such cases, it seems to be justified to advise the termination of pregnancy through spaying or the use of abortifacient drugs, despite the ethical concerns, because waiting for natural delivery could cause unnecessary suffering both to the bitch and her unborn puppies.