Perioperative management and mortality rates of dogs undergoing cesarean section in the United States and Canada

Abstract

Objective - To describe dogs undergoing cesarean section in the United States and Canada, to determine perioperative management, and to calculate survival proportions. Design - Multicenter prospective case series. Animals - 3,908 puppies from 808 dams. Results - Survival rates immediately, 2 hours, and 7 days after delivery were 92, 87, and 80%, respectively, for puppies delivered by cesareen section (n = 3,410) and 86, 83, and 75%, respectively, for puppies born naturally (498). For 614 of 807 (76%) litters, all puppies delivered by cesareen section were born alive. Maternal mortality rate was 1% (n = 9). Of 776 surgeries, 453 (58%) were done on an emergency basis. The most common breeds of dogs that underwent emergency surgery were Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Corgis, and Chihuahua. The most common breeds of dogs that underwent elective surgery were Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, Golden Retriever, and Yorkshire Terrier. The most common methods of inducing and maintaining anesthesia were administration of isoflurane for induction and maintenance (n = 266; 34%) and administration of propofol for induction followed by administration of isoflurane for maintenance (237; 30%). Clinical Implications - Mortality rates of dams and puppies undergoing cesareen section in the United States and Canada are low. Knowledge of mortality rates should be useful to veterinarians when advising clients on the likelihood of puppy and dam survival associated with cesarean section.