CAESAREAN SECTION

What are the risks to the dam and the puppies in a canine caesarean section?

Dilemma:

You have a French Bulldog presenting late at night in need of a caesarean section. The client is very worried about her pet and asks if there are any risks to the mum and pups.

Ask VETbytes?

Use REAL-WORLD DATA to explain reported risks and prognosis and to set realistic expectations for pet owners

Client communication

Discussing the risks of a caesarean section with a client

Vet: Caesarean sections can be lifesaving, but there are certain risks.

For puppies, reported survival rates after a caesarean are 92% at birth, 87% at 2 hours, and 80% at 7 days post-surgery. This means that for a litter of 10 puppies, even with the best care, we could expect a loss of about 1 puppy at birth and 2 puppies by 7 days post-surgery.

The risk of losing at least one puppy is higher in certain situations including if the surgery is done as an emergency, if a puppy is stuck in the birth canal, if the mother has had multiple litters but no previous caesareans and if there are reasons why the surgery has to be delayed.

Currently, it’s unclear if puppies of breeds with short noses (like French Bulldogs) have a higher risk of not surviving compared to other breeds

The risk of the mother not surviving is 1-3%, with most of these cases due to aspiration pneumonia.

Aspiration pneumonia occurs when the mother accidentally inhales stomach contents into her lungs. The inhaled material can cause a severe lung infection, making it difficult for her to breathe.

We understand these risks and will take every precaution to minimise them, striving for the best possible outcome for your dog and her puppies.