How to treat a cesarean section in dogs?

How to treat a cesarean section in dogs? - briefly

Cesarean sections in dogs are typically performed due to fetal distress or maternal complications. Post-operative care includes monitoring for signs of infection, ensuring the puppies are nursing properly, and administering pain medication as needed.

How to treat a cesarean section in dogs? - in detail

Treating a cesarean section in dogs requires careful planning, execution, and aftercare to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and her puppies. Here is a comprehensive guide:

Preoperative Care

1. Diagnostic Imaging: Before the procedure, perform radiographs or ultrasounds to determine the number and position of the fetuses. This helps anticipate potential complications.
2. Blood Tests: Conduct complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical profile tests to ensure the mother's health and readiness for surgery.
3. Fluid Therapy: Administer intravenous fluids preoperatively to maintain hydration and support the dog’s circulatory system during surgery.
4. Anesthesia Preparation: Choose a safe anesthetic agent that can be administered to both the mother and her unborn puppies without causing harm.

Surgical Procedure

1. Anesthesia: Induce general anesthesia using a combination of drugs that are safe for pregnant dogs, such as propofol and isoflurane. Monitor vital signs closely throughout the procedure.
2. Surgical Site Preparation: Clip the hair from the abdomen and clean the area with antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
3. Incision: Make a ventral midline incision, extending from just below the umbilicus to the pubis. This provides ample access to the uterus and allows for easy delivery of the puppies.
4. Uterine Exposure: Gently exteriorize the uterus and locate each horn. Incise each horn individually to minimize bleeding and allow controlled extraction of the puppies.
5. Fetal Delivery: Carefully extract each fetus, ensuring that the umbilical cord is not torn. If a fetus is too large or positioned awkwardly, use obstetric techniques such as version (turning) or extraction by hand to deliver it safely.
6. Cord Clamping and Cutting: Clamp the umbilical cord close to the puppy’s body and cut it. This prevents excessive bleeding and ensures that the puppy receives adequate placental blood.
7. Puppy Stimulation: Gently rub each puppy with a soft towel to stimulate breathing and ensure they are responsive. Clear their airways of any mucus or fluid if necessary.
8. Uterine Repair: After all puppies have been delivered, repair the uterine incisions using absorbable sutures in two layers: the muscular layer and the serosal layer. Ensure hemostasis throughout this process.
9. Abdominal Closure: Close the abdomen with three-layer closure: peritoneum, muscle fascia, and skin. Use absorbable sutures for the internal layers and non-absorbable sutures or staples for the skin.

Postoperative Care

1. Monitoring: Continuously monitor the mother’s vital signs postoperatively to ensure she is stable and recovering well from anesthesia.
2. Pain Management: Administer analgesics such as opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation.
3. Fluid Therapy: Continue intravenous fluid therapy until the dog is able to maintain adequate hydration on her own, typically within 24-48 hours postoperatively.
4. Antibiotics: Prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent infection, especially if there were any complications during surgery or if the dog is at high risk for infection.
5. Nutritional Support: Provide a balanced diet to support lactation and recovery. Ensure the mother has access to plenty of water and nutritious food.
6. Puppy Care: Monitor the puppies closely for signs of respiratory distress, low body temperature, or failure to nurse. Supplemental heat and assistance with nursing may be necessary for some puppies.
7. Follow-up Care: Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure both the mother and her puppies are thriving.

By following these detailed steps, veterinarians can effectively treat a cesarean section in dogs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both the mother and her offspring.