Risk factors for neonatal mortality prior to hospital discharge in brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic dogs undergoing cesarean section

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