Tocodynamometric study of uterine contractions during parturition in queens

Background: Tocodynamometry is an approach in small animal obstetrics to diagnose initiation, progress, completion, and problems related to parturition in queens. Aims: The present study was conducted to monitor uterine contractions using tocodynamometry at full term pregnancy and during queening and to correlate uterine contractile pattern with progression of queening. Methods: Once the signs of impending parturition were noted, the pressure transducer of tocodynamometer was placed on the lateral abdomen to monitor queening. The recordings were plotted as graph of time against pressure in mmHg. Uterine contractile patterns were assessed in order to study their relation to the progression of queening. Results: The initial uterine contractions had a baseline and peak pressures of 7-20 and 15-36.5 mmHg with mean time interval and frequency of 5.53 min and 1.91 peaks per 10 min, respectively, with mean change of amplitude of 15.35 mmHg. The progressive baseline and peak pressures of 15-32.5 and 24-62.3 mmHg increased to 20-55 and 30-89.2, respectively, with an increase in mean frequency from 3.88 to 5.25 peaks per 10 min and increase in mean change of amplitude from 25.21 to 33.87 mmHg, followed by decrease in mean time interval from 2.82 to 1.91 min in expulsive uterine contractions. Conclusion: Monitoring uterine contractions using tocodynamometer helps in understanding progression of queening and problems that may rise during parturition. It was observed that during queening, baseline and peak pressures of uterine contractions remain the same, irrespective of presentation of kittens at birth.