Difficulties During Birth

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Dystocia:  Female guinea pigs intended for breeding must be first

bred before 7 months of age.  If the first breeding is delayed

beyond this time, serious (sometimes life-threatening) problems

with delivery are encountered.



A portion of the pregnant sow's pelvis must widen for successful

delivery of her young.  This separation fails to develop in

females bred for the first time after 7 months of age, usually

necessitating a cesarean section to deliver the young and save

the sow's life.



Signs of dystocia include straining and uterine bleeding.

Veterinary help must be sought immediately.  The veterinarian

will evaluate the pregnant sow by direct exam and by taking

x-rays.  If a vaginal delivery of the young is not possible, a

cesarean section will be necessary.



Pregnancy toxemia is a serious condition that usually occurs in

overweight sows in their first or second pregnancy.  Signs are

most likely to be noted over 1-5 days during the last 2 weeks of

pregnancy or the first week following birth.  These include

inappetence, depression, weakness, reluctance to move,

incoordination, difficulty breathing, coma and death.  Some

afflicted sows may show no signs and suddenly die.



There is no single cause for this condition, but stress and

obesity are major predisposing factors.  Others include advancing

age, lack of exercise, fasting just before the onset of signs,

and a large number of developing fetuses.  The fundamental

underlying problem appears to be inadequate blood flow to the

pregnant uterus.



Sows showing any of these signs must be seen immediately by a

veterinarian.  Because treatment is often unsuccessful,

prevention of pregnancy toxemia is of paramount importance.

Pregnant sows should not be allowed to become obese.  Fasting and

stress must be avoided, especially in the last several weeks of

pregnancy.  Pregnant sows must be supplied with fresh water at

all times and fed a nutritious diet.