Simple SummaryConservative treatment of canine dystocia with oxytocin and occasionally denaverine hydrochloride is usually unsuccessful. In this study, we used an in vitro organ bath assay to investigate the potential ecbolic effects of oxytocin and denaverine on pregnant canine myometrium. The circular and longitudinal myometrial layer of canine uterine tissue obtained during emergency Caesarean section were dissected, cut into strips, and mounted in the organ bath. These strips were stimulated with different concentrations of oxytocin and denaverine hydrochloride and the resulting changes in contractility and contraction pattern were evaluated statistically. Our experiments showed different effects on contractility depending on the oxytocin concentrations used. We further identified differences in responses between layers, especially when high doses of oxytocin were applied. Repetitive stimulation with high doses of oxytocin caused the longitudinal layer to stop contracting completely. In contrast, low doses of oxytocin had a better effect on the contractility of both layers and, thus, are recommended for use in clinics. Experiments with denaverine hydrochloride showed no effect on myometrial contractility.AbstractIn pregnant bitches, the response to oxytocin and denaverine hydrochloride in dystocia management is usually poor. To better understand the effect of both drugs on myometrial contractility, the circular and longitudinal muscle layers were examined in an organ bath. For each layer, three myometrial strips were stimulated twice, each with one of three oxytocin concentrations. The effect of denaverine hydrochloride was studied once in direct combination with oxytocin and alone with subsequent oxytocin administration. Contractions were recorded and evaluated for average amplitude, mean force, area under the curve (AUC), and frequency. Effects of different treatments were analyzed and compared within and between layers. In the circular layer, oxytocin significantly increased amplitude and mean force compared to untreated controls regardless of stimulation cycles or concentrations. In both layers, high oxytocin concentrations caused tonic contractions, while the lowest concentration created regular rhythmic contractions. Longitudinal layer tissue responded to oxytocin with a significantly decreased contractility when stimulated twice, presumably a sign of desensitization. Denaverine hydrochloride neither affected oxytocin induced contractions nor showed a priming effect to subsequent oxytocin. Thus, no benefit of denaverine hydrochloride on myometrial contractility was found in the organ bath. Our results suggest a better efficiency of low-dose oxytocin in canine dystocia management.