CESAREAN SECTION 

General Information:

As a review please refer to the following links for information about normal (unassisted) whelping (birth of puppies) or queening (delivery of kittens).

A cesarean section (C-Section) is a procedure to surgically remove puppies or kittens from the uterus when natural (unassisted) delivery of the young is impossible or potentially harmful to the mother or babies.

There are a few signs that can be seen that signal the female is in trouble:

• Hard labor (laying down and pushing) for 2 hours without delivering fetus
• Fetus is protruding from the birth canal and appears to be stuck
• Dark, bloody, or yellow vaginal discharge
• Any signs of illness in the mother (vomiting, weakness, diarrhea)

• Female too sick/weak to deliver
• Fetus too large to pass through birth canal
• Narrowing of the mother's pelvic canal preventing passage of the fetus

After full recovery from a cesarean section, the mother usually assumes her normal maternal duties. The incision and sutures from the surgery rarely interfere with nursing. If problems arise, our office will advise you regarding proper action.

Treatment Information:

Several procedures will be performed at the time you pet is presented to the hospital:

1. Complete physical exam including evaluation of the birth canal.
2. Intravenous fluids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes and provide a route for medication delivery
3. Medication may be initiated in an effort to stimulat uterine contractions and subsequent delivery
4. If surgery is needed we use medications to reduce the discomfort to the mother but have a minimal effect on the "babies"
5. After surgery, the mother may be treated as usual, but her activity should be moderately restricted. The abdomen and mammary glands may be cleaned with a warm, damp cloth as needed. The nest should be kept dry and clean.
6. The puppies or kittens will be weighed, examined for abmormalities, and unbilical cords will be tied and cleaned.
7. If the mother is still showing signs of sedation from surgery, she should not be left alone with her puppies or kittens until she regains her normal attitude and behavior. Some pets may kill their babies while under the influence of sedatives.
8. Monitor the incision line for any excessive swelling, bruising and bleeding.
9. Return for suture removal in 10-14 days.