Craniofacial malformations in a stillborn mixed-breed dog as a cause for dystocia

This case report describes the findings of craniofacial anomalies associated with dystocia in a mixed-breed bitch. A bitch in labour was presented for evaluation of dystocia, and an emergency caesarean section was performed. Two pups with craniofacial abnormalities were delivered by hysterotomy. One pup was stillborn, with congenital anomalies including palatoschisis (cleft palate), cheiloschisis (cleft lip), an open fontanelle, and a narrow teardrop-shaped skull. The second pup was delivered alive and had cheiloschisis. Craniofacial malformations are a reported cause of dystocia in the dog, usually due to obstruction. However, dystocia in the reported case is presumed to have developed because the pup's craniofacial malformations prevented stimulation of uterine contractions. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report to describe craniofacial abnormalities affecting 100% of the litter and is the first known report to describe the relationship between craniofacial abnormalities and presumptive primary uterine inertia.