Vitality evaluation methods for newborn puppies after cesarean section performed under general inhalation anestesia

Abstract

This study aimed to demonstrate and to correlate possible methods for neonatal assessment in dogs born by elective cesarean surgery using inhalation anesthesia, enhancing its advantages and disadvantages as well as proposing lactate measurement as an adjunctive method of evaluation. After elective cesarean surgery of four bitches subjected to morphine premedication followed by propofol induction and sevoflurane anesthesia, 30 neonates were evaluated through blood sampling from the umbilical cord for lactate measurement and blood gas analyses, as well as neurological and cardiorespiratory assessment at birth and at 10 minutes of age. The neonates presented respiratory acidosis and acidemia at birth related to blood lactate values (4.98±1.39mmol/L). Neurological and cardiorespiratory depressions were present at birth with recovery at 10 minutes and no complications were observed during the first 30 days of life. The methods for neonatal assessment used in this study are safe when appropriately interpreted and the effects of general anesthesia on neonates were transient. Blood lactate obtained from the umbilical cord can be an option for the evaluation of these patients.

Refining the APGAR Score Cutoff Values and Viability Classes According to Breed Body Size in Newborn Dogs

“…Neonatal assistance at birth implies a full knowledge about newborn puppy physiology and the availability of useful tools to identify newborns needing special surveillance/assistance or resuscitation. As in other species, considerable progress has also been made in dogs regarding basic knowledge of neonatal physiology in the last years, and several methods for neonatal assessment have been developed starting from the basic evaluation of some behavioral parameters [10,11], some typical neonatal reflexes [12], the canine-adapted Apgar scoring systems [11,13] and also some hematologic evaluations [12,[14][15][16][17][18][19]. Blood-gas analysis allows a diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia and acid-base status and is possible with a small amount of blood thanks to the use of portable instruments [12,20].…”

“…As in other species, considerable progress has also been made in dogs regarding basic knowledge of neonatal physiology in the last years, and several methods for neonatal assessment have been developed starting from the basic evaluation of some behavioral parameters [10,11], some typical neonatal reflexes [12], the canine-adapted Apgar scoring systems [11,13] and also some hematologic evaluations [12,[14][15][16][17][18][19]. Blood-gas analysis allows a diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia and acid-base status and is possible with a small amount of blood thanks to the use of portable instruments [12,20]. However, in a clinical setting, a simple, practical method to assess neonate viability is required in order to provide appropriate assistance to those that need it.…”