The assessment of Apgar scores on puppies born following emergency and elective cesarean section
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Abstract
Introduction: Apgar assessment is an easy and reliable method to evaluate neonatal viability. Puppies born following cesarean section have high risk mortality as most anesthetic drugs cross over placenta. Moreover, high mortality was more found in puppies born following emergency compared to elective surgery. Propofol is widely used as anesthetic induction drug for cesarean section, however, the comparison of Apgar scores between puppies born following emergency and elective surgery is lacking.
Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess Apgar scores on puppies born following cesarean section and to compare Apgar scores in puppies born following emergency and elective surgery.
Materials and methods: Dogs undergoing cesarean section were anesthetized using propofol and were maintained with isoflurane in pure oxygen. The Apgar scores were assessed at 5, 15, and 60 min after delivery.
Results: Nine pregnant dogs and 36 puppies were included. At 5 min after delivery, Apgar scores on puppies born following emergency surgery significantly differed from puppies born following elective surgery, moreover, 17.6% of puppies born following emergency surgery were classified as low viability. At 60 min after delivery, all puppies in both groups were classified as no distress and the puppy survival rate was 91.1%.
Conclusions: Puppies born following emergency surgery had lower Apgar scores than puppies born following elective surgery. However, all puppies with low viability, after immediate treatment, they were classified as no distress. Therefore, canine neonatal evaluation is necessary for survival prognosis and is considered for initiated resuscitation to improve chance for survival.
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References
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