Table 3.
Signs exhibited and corresponding uterine contractions of queens in different stages of parturition
| No. | Signs exhibited by queens | Percentage (n=12) | Stage of parturition | Uterine contraction (baseline and peak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hiding behaviour | 100% | Signs of approaching parturition (8-12 h before parturition) | No external or tocodynamometer contractions |
| 2 | Restlessness | 100% | ||
| 3 | Enlarged mammary gland with milk | 100% | ||
| 4 | Licking vulval region | 100% | ||
| 5 | Inappetence | 91.67% | ||
| 6 | Pacing | 83.33% | ||
| 7 | Swollen and soften vulva | 75% | ||
| 8 | Parenting kittens of other litter | 75% | ||
| 9 | More attachments | 66.67% | ||
| 10 | Panting | 66.67% | ||
| 11 | Purring | 58.33% | ||
| 12 | Licking her body | 50% | ||
| 13 | Whitish mucous discharge | 33.33% | ||
| 14 | Digging | 16.67% | ||
| 15 | Vulvo-vaginal discharge | 100% | Stage I | Initial Baseline: 7-20 mmHg Peak: 15-36.5 mmHg |
| 16 | Rapid breathing | 100% | ||
| 17 | Grooming herself | 100% | ||
| 18 | Restlessness | 100% | ||
| 19 | Pacing in circles | 75% | ||
| 20 | Vocalisation/cat cry | 50% | ||
| 21 | Rearranging bedding | 41.67% | ||
| 22 | Grooming herself | 100% | Stage II | a) Progressive Baseline: 15-32.5 mmHg Peak: 24-62.3 mmHg b) Expulsive Baseline: 20-55 mmHg Peak: 30-89.2 mmHg |
| 23 | Vulvo-vaginal discharge | 100% | ||
| 24 | Lying on one side | 66.67% | ||
| 25 | Licking/washing her kittens/parenting | 66.67% | ||
| 26 | Vocalisation/cat cry | 50% | ||
| 27 | Semi-squatting stance | 33.33% |