Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common are C-sections in Swiss Bernese Mountain Dogs
By Schrank, Magdalena et al.·Published in Acta veterinaria Scandinavica·2022·Department of Animal Medicine, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of cesarean sections in swiss Bernese Mountain Dogs (2001-2020) and identification of risk factors.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that about 30% of Bernese Mountain Dogs in Switzerland needed Cesarean sections (C-sections) during childbirth, often due to complications like dystocia (difficult labor). Factors such as the dog's age, previous C-sections, and smaller litter sizes increased the likelihood of needing a C-section. Unfortunately, there was also a 12% stillbirth rate, particularly in litters delivered by C-section after the first puppy was born. To help improve the chances of survival for the puppies, it may be advisable for older dogs or those with a history of C-sections to have an elective C-section.
People also search for: Bernese Mountain Dog C-section risks · dog pregnancy complications · Cesarean section in dogs · stillbirth in puppies · elective C-section for dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dystocia is an important limiting factor in animal breeding due to its cost, stress for the mother and risk of death for the neonates. Assessment of incidence and characteristics of dystocia and the inherent risk of Cesarean section are of major importance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of Bernese Mountain Dogs in Switzerland, with a particular focus on the prevalence of Cesarean sections due to dystocia, and identification of possible risk factors. RESULTS: The investigated population included 401 bitches, 207 sires, and 1127 litters. Litter size was significantly influenced by age and parity of the dam. Incidence of Cesarean section was 30.4%, with 2.0% of procedures being elective. History of previous Cesarean section, age of the dam, and a small litter size significantly influenced the risk for Cesarean section. The stillbirth rate was 12.0%, and the number of stillborn pups was significantly higher for litters delivered by Cesarean sections after birth of the first pup. The inbreeding coefficient had a low to non-significant impact on all reproductive parameters (e.g., litter size, number of stillborn pups). CONCLUSION: The sample of Bernese Mountain Dogs of our study had an increased prevalence of Cesarean sections compared to the literature, and advanced age of the dam, litter size and prior Cesarean sections in the dam's reproductive history was identified as significantly influencing factors. In order to improve pups' survival rate, elective Cesarean section may be indicated in bitches that have had a previous Cesarean-section/s, are of advanced age, and/or have a small litter.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36577988/