Survival and fertility of bitches undergoing caesarean section

Abstract

BackgroundWith the increasing popularity of planned caesarean section, the need for knowledge regarding this surgery has become increasingly important. The reported death and survival rates for caesarean sections vary widely. Another important aspect is the fertility rate in subsequent oestrous after caesarean section. The aim of this study was to investigate the mortality and survival rate of bitches during caesarean section. Additionally, the fertility of bitches after caesarean sections was determined.MethodsCaesarean sections which were performed in the years 1997–2009 at two university clinics were evaluated retrospectively. A distinction was made between bitches in which a conservative caesarean section was performed and bitches with a caesarean section followed by an ovariohysterectomy.ResultsA total of 482 caesarean sections were included in the study. The overall mortality rate was 3.11 per cent, with 2.59 per cent during or after a conservative caesarean section and 4.19 per cent during or after caesarean section with ovariohysterectomy. The reason for ovariohysterectomy was the owner’s preference in 63 bitches (47.01 per cent); in 71 (52.98 per cent) bitches, ovariohysterectomy was performed due to a medical indication. The fertility rate after caesarean section was 100 per cent.ConclusionThe results show a high mortality rate during and after caesarean section. On the other hand, caesarean section does not seem to have a big impact on further fertility. Further studies are needed to investigate possible reduction of litter sizes and the suitability of caesarean section in subsequent pregnancies.

Epidemiological aspects of 306 emergency cases of small animals seen at a veterinary school hospital

“…The number of cesarean sections has increased, due to the popularity of this procedure in animals of specific breeds, in addition to cases of dystocia (CONZE et al, 2019). The 17 cases of dystocia in the present study had a surgical approach and accounted for 5.5% of all cases.…”

Parameters in Canines After Cesarean Sections

“…This seems to play a subordinate role in dog breeding. In the study by Conze et al ( 17 ) pregnancy rates of 100% were found in 55 bitches within the 2 years following parturition. However, there was a lack of more precise data as to how often the bitches were bred again before getting pregnant.…”

“…Of these, nine delivered puppies. This indicates high fertility, but in the study by Conze et al ( 17 ), only a small population of bitches was examined, which limits the strength of their conclusions. These numbers have to be compared to normal pregnancy rates, which are between 78 and 97% ( 19 – 21 ).…”

“…With the rising incidence of cesarean sections and the increasing desire for planned cesarean sections ( 11 , 12 ), the fertility and the question if one can expect a natural delivery after a cesarean section are important aspects. Although data from human medicine show varying results ( 13 – 16 ), little is known about the fertility after cesarean sections in dogs ( 17 ). In human medicine, the fertility rates show results as no reduction in fertility up to 17% ( 13 – 15 ).…”

“…In human medicine, the fertility rates show results as no reduction in fertility up to 17% ( 13 – 15 ). In their retrospective study, Conze et al ( 17 ) determined a fertility rate of 100% in 55 bitches, which became pregnant in the 2 years following a cesarean section. No information was included about the breeds, the need for another cesarean section in subsequent pregnancies, and a possible reduction in the number of puppies that were born.…”