The use of intranasal oxytocin therapy for bitches post caesarean section

Issues of poor maternal bonding in the bitch are commonplace in small animal theriogenology practices. Whilst any new mother can have issues accepting their newborn puppies, the problem presents itself most commonly in nulliparous bitches, more so those that have undergone caesarean section and more so those that have undergone elective caesarean section (observed, unpublished data). Whilst prolactin levels rise in late dioestrus, there is a marked rise subsequent to the progesterone decline from luteolysis induced by a rise in ACTH from the foetuses. Thus, there is a delayed rise in prolactin in bitches undergoing elective caesarean due to the procedure being undertaken before luteolysis has begun. Some breeds appear to have more of a problem accepting puppies and not uncommonly will savage their puppies, notably American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers and German Shepherds (observed, unpublished data). Dealing with a bitch that is not accepting her puppies and trying to harm them is a difficult situation for both the veterinarian and the breeder; suggested treatments are limited and often lead to frustration, poor compliance and detrimental neonatal care.