Maternity woes

Troy's English bulldog, Pig, began acting very ill as her pregnancy began to run long. It became very clear that 8 year old Pig had a major problem and needed emergency attention. Her puppy had died in late gestation and was making her fatally ill.

"Dystocia" is the scientific term for a difficult birth. It can be seen when a delivery date comes and goes, or if there is a problem with the passage of the pups. In either case, it is up to the veterinarian to quickly decide if it is due to maternal or fetal abnormalities. It is not uncommon that English bulldog fetuses possess oversized heads in utero that lead to dystocia.

After emergency stabilization by our intern, Dr. O'Marra, Pig underwent immediate life-saving surgery to remove the infected fetus that had ruptured through the uterus. Staff surgeon, Dr. Ko, placed special silicone drains into her abdomen to help clear the infection.

However, that wasn't enough. After the surgery, Pig's protein levels dropped to dangerously low levels. Dr. Messinger, an internal medicine specialist, transfused Pig with a human protein product called "albumin". Albumin is one of many special drugs and blood products that VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital stores for critical patients.

Pig is now happily & fully recovered (and spayed!). "Thank goodness! One tough pregnancy is tough enough!"