Association of amniotic uric acid, glucose, lactate and creatinine concentrations and lactate/creatinine ratio with newborn survival in small-sized dogs – preliminary results

Abstract

In order to define the normal composition of canine amniotic fluid and to detect differences between surviving and non-surviving newborn puppies, the present study determined the uric acid, glucose, lactate and creatinine concentrations and the lactate to creatinine ratio in amniotic fluids collected during elective Caesarean section from small-sized purebred bitches. The possible relationship between newborn survival and the studied parameters, as well as the effects of maternal parity, fetal gender and Apgar score were assessed. The study enrolled 27 small-sized purebred bitches submitted to elective Caesarean section at term. After opening the fetal membranes, amniotic fluid samples were collected aseptically from the amniotic sac of each fetus. The data obtained from 74 amniotic fluid samples collected from 27 bitches showed that amniotic glucose concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in non-surviving than in surviving puppies. Within the normal, surviving puppies, amniotic glucose concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in male than in female newborns, and the lactate/creatinine ratio was significantly higher in multiparous than in primiparous bitches (P < 0.05). These preliminary results demonstrate the relevance of amniotic glucose, but not of uric acid, lactate, creatinine and the lactate to creatinine ratio for detecting puppies at risk of death immediately after birth.

Apgar score or birthweight in Chihuahua dogs born by elective Caesarean section: which is the best predictor of the survival at 24 h after birth?

“…The outcome of the newborns at 24 h of life (alive/dead) according to the distribution of viability classes based on Apgar score showed that 97% of puppies scored 7–10, 96% of puppies scored 4–6 and 39% of puppies scored 0–3 were alive 24 h after birth. When compared to previous studies, the survival rate in puppies scored as 7–10 is in agreement with the 95–100% reported before [ 3 , 13 , 18 – 20 , 33 ]. Similarly, the survival rate in puppies scored as 4–6 agrees with the 94–100% previously reported [ 18 , 20 ].…”

“…The percentage of 28% referred to the "moderately distressed" puppies is, in turn, higher than the 2-10% reported by [3,13,18], but more similar to the 34-44% reported by Vilar et al [20]. The 10% proportion of "severely distressed" puppies, is higher than the reported 2-4% [3,13], more similar to the 8% reported by [20,33], but markedly lower than then the 43% reported by Titkova and colleagues [18]. Data from the present study showed, therefore, that in Chihuahua dogs born by elective Caesarean section about one-third of the newborns are classified as "less viable" (Apgar score 0-6), despite the timely performed surgery, anesthetic protocol used aimed to minimize side-effects on newborns and bitches, and the prompt evaluation and assistance performed by an experienced neonatologist.…”

“…Comparing the results of this study with the bibliography is difficult, also considering the wide variability of study designs (different breeds enrolled, different type of parturitions, and especially different anesthetic protocols for Caesarean section). However, it is to note the lower proportion of "normal viable" newborns than the 85-96% reported in some studies by [3,13,19,33], while it is higher than the 51% reported for puppies born by dystocia terminated by emergency Caesarean section or vaginal delivery [18], and similar to the 48-64% reported for puppies born by elective Caesarean section [20]. The percentage of 28% referred to the "moderately distressed" puppies is, in turn, higher than the 2-10% reported by [3,13,18], but more similar to the 34-44% reported by Vilar et al [20].…”

Clinical Trial on the Usefulness of On-Site Evaluation of Canine Fetal Fluids by Reagent Test Strip in Puppies at Elective Caesarean Section

“…In 2021, Tal et al [ 5 ] demonstrated the possibility to easily and safely perform amniocentesis in anesthetized bitches at around 35–62 days of pregnancy. Moreover, at the time of parturition, when caesarean section is performed, fetal fluids (amniotic and allantoic) can be easily and securely sampled, as demonstrated by many studies [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Other than that, the canine fetal fluids were also useful for mesenchymal stem cells isolation and growth as a model of these cell’s biology study and for possible therapeutic application [ 19 , 20 ].…”

“…From a hormonal standpoint, canine fetal fluids collected along pregnancy during ovariohysterectomy have been studied also to possibly assess the beginning of thyroid gland function in canine fetuses through the measurement of thyroid hormones [ 21 ] and for a better understanding of the fetal endocrine system development [ 22 ]. Among the biochemical composition of canine amniotic and allantoic fluids, some studies [ 10 , 14 ] have suggested that amniotic glucose concentrations were associated to the puppies’ outcome. One study [ 14 ] reported the finding of a higher concentration of glucose in surviving than non-surviving puppies, demonstrating the relevance of measuring glucose in amniotic fluid to identify newborns with a higher risk of demise after parturition.…”