Opinions on Oxytocin

[DorkyYorkies]

I have only had one litter and the next litter is due in a few weeks, but I have decided not to use it unless absolutely necessary. My mentor who has been breeding for over ten years and works for a vet told me to be very leery of it. There are alot of side effects and it can really stress the mama out. Why make her have contractions when she is done giving birth if you are sure all placentas and babies are out? We humans wouldn't want to do that to our bodies after having a baby! Contractions are bad enough without bringing on more. I say let nature take its place and know your dog's body signals. I think we as breeders can usually sense when there is a problem. When in doubt consult your vet for the best advice.

[JaLaYorkieGirl]

We never use it as a "clean out shot" beause as long as you have nursing babies, their nursing will stimulate her body to produce her own oxytocin to help her uterus clean out and shrink down. We do however make sure we get all placentas out and accounted for during labor. This is believed to be better for their bodies and the process than one large injection of the hormone by several theriogenologists.

During the whelping process it is administed by our vet only after an x-ray has been taken to ensure they are not mal-presented, a digital exam is done and her calcium level is checked and normal.

[lisatodd]

no....since you are new at breeding, you should not attempt it. my breeder (26 yrs exp) has made her mistakes and lost two of her girls due to "blowing out the uterus" i think that is the proper term.
calsorb, with most cases, will make the bitch vomit during delivery. believe me, no fun when you are trying to clean up the whelping bed, help deliver, and clean off a puppy at the same time.
just let nature take its course and if you are having problems, call the vet. you are too new to be able to tell what type of distress/problem you are having. you may cause more harm than good.

[dudley1984]

Originally Posted by JaLaYorkieGirl

We never use it as a "clean out shot" beause as long as you have nursing babies, their nursing will stimulate her body to produce her own oxytocin to help her uterus clean out and shrink down. We do however make sure we get all placentas out and accounted for during labor. This is believed to be better for their bodies and the process than one large injection of the hormone by several theriogenologists.

During the whelping process it is administed by our vet only after an x-ray has been taken to ensure they are not mal-presented, a digital exam is done and her calcium level is checked and normal.

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We get so busy sometimes that we lose track of placentas. We also have had a couple of reluctant mothers that became more motherly acting after getting their oxytocin. HOWEVER, we always rely on the advice of an experienced veterinarian in these matters.

[EmrldShdwQueen]

Originally Posted by lisatodd

no....since you are new at breeding, you should not attempt it. my breeder (26 yrs exp) has made her mistakes and lost two of her girls due to "blowing out the uterus" i think that is the proper term.
calsorb, with most cases, will make the bitch vomit during delivery. believe me, no fun when you are trying to clean up the whelping bed, help deliver, and clean off a puppy at the same time.
just let nature take its course and if you are having problems, call the vet. you are too new to be able to tell what type of distress/problem you are having. you may cause more harm than good.

I wasn't actually asking for me...just curious about opinions on it. I've assisted and birthed about 20 or so litters now...and oxytocin was administered during every one except Brooke's. For hers I used Calsorb and was pleased with the results. That's what I'm sticking with. I do have oxytocin on hand if I ever think I may need it, but I've decided it will only be on an "as needed" basis.

I've also dealt with several different types of distress and problems during those whelpings, also having done extensive research over the last year. Don't worry, I went into this with a wealth of knowledge on the subject, I'm not one to jump into something I'm not prepared to do. I am aware of the symptoms and signs of 99% of the issues I may face during whelping.

I mainly asked this as a general question to satisfy my curiosity. Thank you for your concern though.

[Breny]

Nicki - love your avatar pic!!!! Too cute. Who is that?

[topknot]

No, I refuse to admin oxytocin myself. I am not an educated vet with years of training. I was a vet tech for 5 years: in which I gave shots, counted wht. blood cells, checked, fecals, developed x-rays, and assisted in surgery to name just a few of my duties. Even with my knowledge, I would not risk it - giving it myself. I prefer to have my vet give it - and only if necessary. I have heard of some real scary stories where breeders gave it themself and the bitches reutured their uteris. So no - I too believe in letting the pups help by nursing. I also count plancetas. I use a chalkboard near by and all you do is make a tally mark for each placenta as you see it. It takes only 3 seconds to write down. No matter how busy you are - one can make this simple and easy tally mark.
T.

[PrestigeousYT]

Originally Posted by topknot

No, I refuse to admin oxytocin myself. I am not an educated vet with years of training. I was a vet tech for 5 years: in which I gave shots, counted wht. blood cells, checked, fecals, developed x-rays, and assisted in surgery to name just a few of my duties. Even with my knowledge, I would not risk it - giving it myself. I prefer to have my vet give it - and only if necessary. I have heard of some real scary stories where breeders gave it themself and the bitches reutured their uteris. So no - I too believe in letting the pups help by nursing. I also count plancetas. I use a chalkboard near by and all you do is make a tally mark for each placenta as you see it. It takes only 3 seconds to write down. No matter how busy you are - one can make this simple and easy tally mark.
T.

Tina I agree, it is just simply not worth the risk for our girls is the way I see it. I would forever hate myself if something happened to one of ours and we administered that drug instead of letting the vet make that decision.
This is just one I won't touch.

Deana
Prestigeous Yorkies

[EmrldShdwQueen]

Originally Posted by Breny

Nicki - love your avatar pic!!!! Too cute. Who is that?

Dallas...