Records of caesarean sections in bitches presented to the veterinary teaching hospital, Federal university of agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

Case records at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta were reviewed between January, 2012 and December, 2014 to determine the frequency of caesarean sections (CS) performed in dogs. Data recorded include breed and age of dogs, indication for CS and method of anaesthesia used. Other records obtained were ultrasound information regarding fetal viability prior to surgery, and surgical outcome three days post operation. Data were presented using descriptive statistics. Association between the time of presentation of bitches for CS, method of anaesthesia and surgical outcome was determined using chi square test. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Sixteen (16) CS were performed during the study period. Breeds involved were Boerboel, Rottweiler, Alsatian, bulldog, Lhasa apso and mongrel dogs, with the highest record in Boerboel. Mean age of the dogs was 3.1 ± 1.2 years. Eleven (11) of the dogs were nulliparous; while five (5) had previous normal parturitions. Fifteen (15) dogs had emergency CS, while one (1) had elective CS. Indication for CS in the dogs included uterine inertia (13), uterine torsion (1) and vaginal prolapse (1). Mean time of presentation of the bitches for CS was 48.6 ± 28.6 hours. Epidural anaesthesia, general anaesthesia with either Diazepam + Propofol combinations or Xylazine+ Ketamine+ Diazepam were used. Surgical outcome were good in thirteen (13) bitches and poor in three (3) bitches, while the outcome on the puppies was good in eight (8) of the caesarean section. Time of presentation of the bitches for CS and anaesthesia type were significantly (p< 0.05) associated with surgical outcome in both the bitches and the puppies. It was concluded that CS in dogs are seldomly performed and most cases involved emergency management of dystocia. Duration of labour and type of anaesthesia used are important risk factors for the outcome of CS in both the dam and the puppies.