Topics in the routine assessment of newborn kitten vitality: Apgar score, reflexes and complementary assessments

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to perform neonatal clinical assessments at birth to identify newborn kittens at risk according to type of delivery, thus allowing immediate intervention and increasing their chances of survival. Methods This study compared Apgar scores, reflexes and clinical parameters (temperature, weight, blood glucose and peripheral oxygen saturation [SpO2]) between eutocic neonates and those delivered by emergency cesarean section. The animals were evaluated at birth and after 10 and 60 mins. Results Thirty-two neonates were evaluated, with 19 animals in the eutocic group (EG) and 13 animals in the cesarean group (CG). When comparing groups, CG neonates had significantly lower Apgar scores ( P <0.0001), lower SpO2 ( P = 0.0535), higher blood glucose ( P = 0.0009), reduced reflexes ( P <0.0001) and lower respiratory rates ( P <0.0001) at birth and after 10 and 60 mins than EG neonates. Apgar scores positively correlated with parameters such as heart rate, reflex score, SpO2 and weight. The mortality rate in evaluated newborns was 15.6% (5/32). The early mortality rate (0–2 days old) was 80% (4/5) and the late mortality rate (3–30 days old) was 20% (1/5). Conclusions and relevance This study showed lower vitality in cats delivered by emergency cesarean section than in those delivered through eutocic birth. In general, neonates delivered by cesarean section have greater depression and low vitality at birth and may require advanced resuscitation procedures. The evaluations carried out in this study identified newborns with low vitality and those requiring advanced resuscitation, thus allowing immediate intervention. Apgar and reflex scores for feline neonates were suggested. Newborn-specific clinical assessment with these feline vitality scores allows the identification of at-risk neonates. Care immediately after birth increases the chance of survival among these patients.

Feline neonatology: From birth to commencement of weaning – what to know for successful management

“…At the time of going to press, a paper was accepted for publication in JFMS that discusses routine assessment of newborn kitten vitality. Readers are referred to Hibaru et al’s study, 51 which demonstrates significantly lower Apgar scores and reflex scores (ie, low vitality) in 13 neonates delivered by caesarean section compared with 19 neonates delivered by natural birth. The paper proposes the use of a modified feline Apgar score that allows the provision of immediate assistance at birth, increasing the chance of survival for these patients.…”

Neonatology: Topics on Puppies and Kittens Neonatal Management to Improve Neonatal Outcome

“…However, prolonged and dystocic deliveries can lead to pronounced asphyxia and severe hypoxia in newborns, leading to failure of respiratory adaptation and higher mortality rates in the transition period [ 3 , 11 , 44 ]. This condition is considered the main cause of more than 60% of losses of canine and feline neonates during the first two days of life (early mortality) [ 10 , 20 , 45 ].…”

“…Adaptation to pulmonary breathing after birth is essential for CO 2 elimination and acid–base balance recovery [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. However, any form of dystocia can worsen asphyxia, resulting in excessive hypoxia and leading to high mortality rates in the first few days after birth [ 10 , 20 ].…”

“…The neonatal period in dogs and cats is still a major challenge for veterinarians and breeders, as it is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality globally, ranging from 5.7 to 35% in dogs [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] and from 14 to 16% in cats [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Clinical Scoring Systems in the Newborn Calf: An Overview

“…Within the framework of veterinary medicine, APGAR scores have been developed for swine [ 15 ], horse [ 16 , 17 ], dog [ 18 ], cat [ 19 , 20 ], sheep [ 21 ], donkeys [ 22 ], and bovine species (see below). All these scores take inspiration from the original, and the majority are constituted by five signs rated zero, one, or two.…”