Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Puppy death risks after C-section in flat-faced and other dogs
By Adams, Daniel J et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2022·Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Risk factors for neonatal mortality prior to hospital discharge in brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic dogs undergoing cesarean section.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A total of 480 puppies from 90 mother dogs underwent cesarean sections (c-sections), and the study looked at how many survived until discharge. The results showed that most puppies (93.1%) survived, with no significant difference between brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs) and non-brachycephalic breeds. However, puppies born via elective c-section had a much higher survival rate compared to those delivered through emergency c-section. This suggests that planning for a c-section can improve the chances of puppy survival, especially in breeds that may have trouble giving birth naturally.
People also search for: puppy survival after c-section · brachycephalic dog cesarean section · emergency c-section puppy outcomes
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To compare neonatal survival to discharge rates between brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic dogs undergoing cesarean section (c-section) and identify risk factors for neonatal mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 480 puppies from 90 bitches undergoing 106 c-sections. METHODS: Medical records of c-sections performed between January 2012 and September 2021 were reviewed. Data collected included brachycephalic versus nonbrachycephalic breed, elective versus emergency c-section, litter size (c-section and total [including those born prior to and via c-section]), and neonatal survival to discharge. A generalized linear mixed model (univariable and multivariable) was performed to evaluate variables versus neonatal survival. RESULTS: Overall neonatal survival to discharge was 93.1% (447/480); survival was similar between brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic breeds (p = .221, 202/213 [94.8%] brachycephalic survival, 245/267 [91.8%] nonbrachycephalic survival). Puppies delivered via elective c-section were more likely to survive compared to emergency c-section (p < .001, 238/240 [99.2%] elective survival, 209/240 [87.1%] emergency survival). Puppies delivered in larger c-section litters were more likely to survive (p < .004) compared to smaller litters. Total litter size had no effect on survival. CONCLUSION: Brachycephalism had no effect on neonatal survival. Puppies delivered via elective c-section were more likely to survive compared to puppies delivered via emergency c-section. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Outcomes following c-section are similar between brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic breeds. While it is preferable to encourage selective breeding for bitches that are able to whelp naturally, elective c-section should be considered in bitches at high risk for dystocia to maximize neonatal survival.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35946489/