Hi all I'm just posting really to get peoples opinions on the use of oxytocin?

Very useful when used appropriately - ie after at least one puppy has been born proving that the cervix is fully dilated. Used before this and the risk of uterine rupture is sky-high.

Same here.  I would steer clear of a vet who suggests using it when they have no info on the bitch and haven't even examined her.  It is sadly true that you still hear of vets wanting to try it when the bitch isn't ready.

I've only ever requested oxytocin when I've delivered one pup and it's obvious that the bitch isn't just resting.

If you're offered it without a pup having been born I would be very reluctant.  Unless of course, you trust your vet 100% and he has told you that your bitch is fully dilated (after examination.)  The reason I would worry if I didn't trust the vet, is that you never truly know what is "fully" dilated, as all bitches will vary.

I will never forget a vet telling me that my bitch wasn't in labour, she was nowhere near being dilated, and couldn't be ready as she didn't have milk.  I was a bit green then!  It was after 7pm at night.

She had a emergency C-section at 11pm the same night due to inertia.  I was lucky not to lose the litter.

Agree with both posts has to be used at the right time for reasons given.

Had one bitch who had 2 puppies then went on strike, after 2 hours, phoned the vet and took her for oxytocin jag. She had the next puppy in the vet's car park.Her last litter she was overdure (not like her at all) so took her to the vet who said she was fully dilated but gave her a c-section not oxytocin....that's why I trust my vet.