The C-section can be performed no matter the breed. However, some dog breeds have a higher rate of C-sections than others. In most cases, this happens because of their different anatomical structures, like brachycephalic dogs and their large skulls (heads) and smaller bodies. Generally speaking, the C-section birth is performed when prolonged labor is diagnosed.
What Is Cesarean?
Cesarean (Caesarian) or C-section is the surgical delivery of puppies. It is performed by a licensed veterinarian and it is done when dystocia, or difficult labor, is diagnosed. The main reason for performing a C-section is when the life of the mother or pups is in danger.
The procedure involves making an incision through the abdomen tissue to reach the uterus. The final incision is done on the uterus, after which puppies are taken out of it. The C-section is a well-known surgical procedure, practiced by doctors for decades. It is routine, but like any other surgery, complications are possible. According to a study, “…there is a 5% mortality rate that significantly increases when litter sizes are over nine neonates.” This means that a higher number of puppies increases the risk of some dying during the C-section.
This percentage is referred to elective C-section surgery. Elective surgery is the one we schedule in advance and is not an emergency. This is the case with brachycephalic dog breeds, such as French Bulldogs.
Emergency C-section is when during the birthing process a complication occurs and we have to “change the plans” and deliver the puppies via Cesarean. Some examples of complications that lead to emergency C-sections are: uterine inertia (the uterus doesn’t have strong contractions), obstructive labor, and fetal distress (heartbeats are too high and risk the death of the puppy).
Rate Over 80%
These dog breeds have a Cesarean rate higher than 80%:
The reason for all three breeds is the mentioned anatomical structure of the brachycephalic dog breeds. The pelvis and the birthing canal of the mother are not wide enough for a puppy because of their large skulls. This difference in the size of the skull (head) and the birthing canal leads to obstructive labor. Simply put, the puppies get stuck in the birthing canal, risking death from suffocation. This is dangerous for the mother as well because it can lead to infection, profuse bleeding, blood pressure increase, and so on.
The rate is not 100% because sometimes, the pelvis is well-developed or wide enough for the puppies to go through it. However, every pregnancy of either of the mentioned breeds should be closely monitored.
Other Breeds
In the Katy M Evans and Vicki J Adams study done on purebred dogs in the UK, they researched 151 dog breeds and came to the conclusion that apart from the Frenchies, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers, these breeds also have a higher rate of C-section birth:
- Mastiffs
- Scottish Terriers
- Miniature Bull Terrier
- German Wirehaired Pointer
- Clumber Spaniel
- Pekingese
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
As you may notice, not all of these dogs have brachycephalic faces (flat-faced). Some are dolichocephalic (long skull) and mesocephalic (medium-length). The Scottish Terrier is an example of the “long skull” and the German Wirehaired Pointer of a “medium skull”.
The reasons for C-sections in these dog breeds were not just disproportionate body and head, but other birthing complications, such as twisted uterus or uterus inertia. No matter the reason, they had a high C-section rate.
How Many Cesareans Can A Dog Have?
This question is up for debate. The most accepted number is no more than 2 to 3 Cesareans in a lifetime. You will find people claiming the number is not important, and that if it needs to be done, we should do it. But, it is more complicated than that. We need to put aside our desires and how many puppies we want to sell. The safety of the dog should be our priority. The reason for the low number is the invasiveness of the procedure. Even though surgeons will use the same incision when making a new C-section, it still has the same risks.
What Are The Risks?
We’ve mentioned that Cesarean has become a routine procedure. However, each surgical procedure is an invasive procedure and carries certain risks. Some of the risks are:
- Infection (it is doubled compared to natural birth)
- Excess scarring
- Blood clots
- Placenta accreta (placenta grows too deep into the uterine wall)
- Placenta percreta (placenta grows through the uterus, sometimes attaching itself to nearby organs)
- Anesthesia complications
- Bowel obstruction
The placenta accreta/percreta and bowel obstruction are risks when it’s not the first C-section. The risk increases with each new C-section.
Summary
The Cesarian is a routine surgical operation, often a necessity for some dog breeds, such as the French Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Boston Terrier. These three dog breeds have a disproportionate size of the skull and the pelvis, making it impossible for dogs to give birth naturally (through the birthing canal). That’s why the C-section is performed – the surgical opening of the abdomen and uterus to deliver the puppies.
While it is a common practice, most veterinarians agree there shouldn’t be more than 2 to 3 C-sections in a dog’s lifetime. This is the practice that ensures the health of the mother dog because each new surgery carries complications. Suppose you plan on breeding Frenchies or other brachycephalic dogs mentioned in the article. In that case, my personal opinion is that it is not ethical to have too much litter just to earn more money.
Read Next: Phantom Pregnancy In Dogs
Cover photo by JackieLou DL
