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Neonatal Clinical Evaluation, Blood Gas and Radiographic Assessment After Normal Birth, Vaginal Dystocia or Caesarean Section in Dogs
Author(s) -
Silva LCG,
Lúcio CF,
Veiga GAL,
Rodrigues JA,
Vannucchi CI
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
reproduction in domestic animals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1439-0531
pISSN - 0936-6768
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01392.x
Subject(s) - caesarean section , medicine , vaginal delivery , apgar score , obstetrics , anesthesia , group b , respiratory system , birth weight , pregnancy , surgery , biology , genetics
Contents This study aimed to standardize signs and diagnostic criteria of respiratory function in newborn puppies delivered normally or after dystocia and caesarean operation. A total of 48 neonates were allocated into groups: eutocia (n = 20), dystocia (n = 8), caesarean (c)‐section (n = 20). Neonatal health was assessed using the Apgar score and body temperature was determined at 0, 5 and 60 min after delivery. Venous blood gases (pO 2 and SO 2 ) was measured immediately and 60 min after delivery, and a thoracic radiograph was made between 0 and 5 min of life. The c‐section group had significantly lower Apgar scores at birth and 5 min. Hypothermia was present at 5 min in the eutocia and c‐section groups, and at 60 min in all groups. The eutocia group had an irregular respiratory pattern in 78% of puppies at birth, 27.7% at 5 min and 21% at 60 min compared with 87.5%, 62.5% and 12.5% of the pups in the dystocia group where there was irregular respiratory rhythm, moderate to intense respiratory sounds with agonic episodes. The c‐section group had respiratory alterations in 70%, 45% and 16% of puppies at 0, 5 and 60 min, respectively. Radiographic abnormalities were present in 17% of the pups in the eutocia group, 25% of the pups in the dystocia group and 30% of the pups in the c‐section group, respectively. The c‐section group had significantly lower SO 2 values at 60 min than at birth. All puppies had hypoxaemia, but a significant decrease was observed in the c‐section group. Newborn puppies had tissue hypoxia and irregular respiratory pattern at birth. Caesarean‐section puppies had lower vitality; however, all developed satisfactory Apgar scores at 5 min of life, regardless of the obstetric condition.