Effects of clamping umbilical cord on the neonatal viability of puppies delivered by cesarean section

The article presents the results of the clinical evaluation (Apgar scores, AS) and umbilical cord blood gas analysis (UCBGA) obtained from clamped umbilical cords of newborn pups delivered by the elective Caesarean section. The study was planned as a controlled clinical study, the newborns were allocated into one of the groups, I—critical neonates (severe distress, AS ≤ 3), II—weak neonates (moderate distress, AS 4–6) and III—healthy neonates (no distress, AS ≥ 7). The following parameters were evaluated: pH (pH units), carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2; mmHg), oxygen partial pressure (pO2; mmHg), actual bicarbonate (cHCO3-; mmol/L), total carbon dioxide (cTCO2; mmol/L), base excess of extracellular fluid (BE(ecf); mmol/L), base excess of blood (BE(b); mmol/L), oxygen saturation (csO2; %), lactate (Lac; mg/dl), hematocrit (Hct; %PCV), hemoglobin (cHgb; g/dl), glucose (Glu; mg/dl), ions (Na, K, Ca, Cl). The majority of puppies had low AS at birth (AS 4–6 in 38.1% and AS ≤ 3 in 57.1% of the neonates), but most of them (85.7%) improved by the 20th min. reaching AS of 7 and more. Moreover, puppies with lower AS (≤ 3) were at higher risk of death within the first 24h (20.8% did not survive). The positive correlation was found between Apgar score measured at 0 minute and pH (r = 0.46, p = 0.01), and between Apgar score (at 0 min) and base excess in whole blood measured [BE(b)] r = 0.36, p = 0.03). Whereas, a negative correlation was detected between Apgar score at 0 and 5th minute and glycemia (r = −0.42, p = 0.05, r = −0.34, p = 0.02 respectively. Overall, the puppies with higher glucose levels had lower Apgar scores and were at higher risk of death. Furthermore, in our study, the newborn puppies had mild acidemia with elevated pCO2 levels and the HCO3 at the lower range of normal limits, suggesting the mixed component in the acidemic state. Adaptation to extra-uterine life is crucial and any practical improvement in neonatal diagnostics and care would be beneficial for newborn puppy survival.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Parameters and Apgar Scoring in Assessment of New-Born Dogs Delivered by Cesarean Section

Antończyk

Ochota

Niżański

2021

“…All the EMCSs were performed at dystocia occurrence. Dystocia was diagnosed in the following conditions: green or black vaginal discharge, unsuccessfully strains for more than 30 min, interval of maximum 3 h between puppies’ expulsion, presence of fetal distress (heart rate < 180 bpm), narrow birth canal, fetal obstruction, uterine inertia [ 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Delivery by Emergency or Elective Cesarean Section on Nitric Oxide Metabolites and Cortisol Amniotic Concentrations in at Term Normal Newborn Dogs: Preliminary Results

Fusi

Carluccio

Peric

et al. 2021

The neonatal response to stress was reported to be related to the type of delivery, that is elective or emergency cesarean sections (ELCS and EMCS, respectively). Nitric oxide (NO) is also reported to be related to uterine inertia, and high levels of NO metabolites (NOs) are associated with physical and emotional stress. The study aimed to assess the concentrations of cortisol (C) and NOs in the amniotic fluid of puppies delivered by ELCS or EMCS. In total, 32 puppies were delivered by ELCS and 22 by EMCS. ANCOVA showed an effect of the ELCS vs. EMCS on both amniotic NOs (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.001) concentrations. Lower amniotic C concentrations were found at increasing Apgar score (p < 0.001). Higher amniotic NOs concentrations were associated to increasing mother’s parity (p < 0.001), puppies’ birthweight (p < 0.001), and time of labor within the EMCS group (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between birthweight and amniotic NOs concentrations was also found (p < 0.05) in the EMCS group. Due to the possible concurrence of several compartments (maternal, maybe placental, and fetal) to the final amniotic fluid composition, the definition of the role played by the three compartments in the higher C and NOs concentrations found in amniotic fluids collected from puppies delivered by EMCS than ELCS needs further clarification.

“…Although puppies and kittens can present physiological hypoxia, demonstrating hypercapnia and mixed acidosis during parturition and immediately after birth, this is transient [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. This occurs because the fetus undergoes a short period of asphyxia simultaneous with uterine contractions, which culminates in a decrease in uterine blood flow, placental perfusion, and gas exchange [ 20 , 48 ].…”

Section: Fetal-neonatal Transitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This occurs because the fetus undergoes a short period of asphyxia simultaneous with uterine contractions, which culminates in a decrease in uterine blood flow, placental perfusion, and gas exchange [ 20 , 48 ]. 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 ].…”

Section: Fetal-neonatal Transitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is essential that deliveries in kennels and catteries are assisted by a veterinarian. Maternal and neonatal clinical evaluation, complementary exams (hormonal, blood glucose, ultrasound, radiography, among others), and the assessment of viability and vitality scores at birth, such as the Apgar score, can diagnose patients at risk and determine the need for immediate intervention, increasing the chance of litter survival [ 4 , 10 , 13 , 41 , 42 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. The veterinarian must be prepared to intervene quickly in cases of asphyxiated puppies and kittens, knowing and correctly performing the procedures for resuscitating dogs and cats at birth.…”

Section: Fetal-neonatal Transitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

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

Pereira

Fuchs

Corrêa

et al. 2022

Self Cite

The productivity of kennels and catteries is directly linked to maternal prolificacy and neonatal survival. During the neonatal period, mortality is high, not only due to environmental factors after birth but also with regard to gestational fetal life, complications during delivery, and management errors. Neonatology is an area of veterinary medicine where having a strong knowledge base of applied physiology and common clinical presentations for newborns can often favor better outcomes and greater neonatal survival. The teaching of animal theriogenology topics, particularly neonatal medicine, in the veterinary curriculum has evolved significantly in recent years. It is essential that the veterinarian understands the maternal and neonatal particularities and the main aspects involved in the handling of puppies and kittens for the instruction of the correct handling to the breeders and better medical conduct. The breeder of dogs and cats, experienced or not, must count on the help of a veterinarian in their breeding. Proper management, constant monitoring of the litter, and prompt assistance are the keys to successful breeding.