| Hold the infant in a position of presentation to prevent it | | | | legs are tucked against the puppy's abdomen in the |
| from being withdrawn back into the birth canal. Each | | | | direction of the head. This presentation normally does |
| time your matron has a contraction the puppy is closer | | | | not present a problem for the puppy or the matron |
| to birth. You, as a Shih Tzu mid-wife need only to the | | | | because the head of is larger in circumference than |
| hold the puppy to prevent withdrawal and allow Nature | | | | the body. Shih Tzu are generally whelp freely and do |
| to work. | | | | not require professional assistance. |
| Sometimes it may be difficult to grip the puppy's sac. If | | | | A breech delivery can be difficult to assist when a |
| the head is definitely presented first, break open the | | | | puppy is confined in the slippery sac. Surgical gloves |
| sac from around its head. Immediately use a pediatric | | | | are helpful for securely holding the slippery sac. Gauze |
| bulb syringe to suction amniotic fluid from the Shih Tzu | | | | pads make a second good choice. A thin towel is |
| puppy's mouth. | | | | adequate as a third choice. If none of these items are |
| A difficult or large puppy may require more than two | | | | available and you must work with your bare hands, |
| or three contractions. In general, there should be no | | | | use your fingers. Gently secure a grip on each side of |
| more than four contractions. If more than four | | | | the Shih Tzu puppy without applying undue pressures. |
| contractions there may be a problem if the puppy has | | | | As each contraction occurs, apply a steady, firm |
| not been whelped. You may need a professional vet's | | | | pressure, preventing the it from slipping back inside the |
| assistance at this point. | | | | birth canal. Never pull! |
| A breech delivery is presented rear-foremost. The hind | | | | |