C-Sections

C-Sections are performed when the bitch or queen is unable to achieve normal birthing. Reasons for this include large foetuses, poorly positioned foetuses, weak or ineffectual uterine contractions or maternal exhaustion. We use specific parameters to decide on whether a C-section is preferable or not: the mother’s condition, the foetal heart rates, the foetal development and the mother’s hormonal readiness for the birthing. X-rays, ultrasound scans and cervical visualisation are usually performed to assess the state of the foetuses and the mother’s readiness.
The surgical process involves the delivering of the foetuses via an abdominal incision and an incision in one of the uterine horns. If so decided by the breeder, the mother can be sterilised during the operation. Otherwise the uterus is sutured with absorbable material, allowing for further pregnancies. We generally discharge mother and babies within hours of the procedure, once their recovery has been monitored.

Concerns that are generally raised when considering a caesarian mostly centre around the anaesthetic and the mother’s maternal instinct, or lack thereof, after the surgery. We use an extremely safe and predictable protocol for the anaesthetic and have seen good results, both for mother and babies. After the caesarian it is not uncommon for the mother to show little interest in the babies, which may require bottle or stomach tube feeding to keep the them strong. Luckily this is generally short-term, with the mother taking over her normal duties within a matter of hours or days. It must be said that natural birth is generally considered to be better for mother and babies. Elective caesarians are not always ideal, and the procedure should be reserved for emergency situations.