Dog C-Section Startford Upon Avon
Dog C-Section Near Stratford Upon Avon
Trusted Vets formally Tudor House offers affordable C-sections, either planned or emergency.
Pre-planned and Pre-booked c-sections are available at a reduced cost when pre-booked in advance.
A caesarean section or c-section is a major surgery performed to remove puppies/kittens from the uterus. Elective or emergency caesarean section is used for preventing or treating Dystocia (Dystocia is the medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience).
Dog C-Section FAQs
WHATS INVOLVED IN A C-SECTION FOR DOGS?
An emergency C-Section is an emergency procedure when natural birth is not possible to remove puppies/kittens from the uterus. Elective or emergency caesarean section is used for preventing or treating Dystocia. The mother will have been given an anaesthetic, which should be quickly cleared from her body. The majority of dogs have recovered from anaesthesia by the time they are released to go home. Complete anaesthetic recovery can take two to six hours, depending on the anaesthetics used, the mother’s physical condition, her age at the time of surgery, and how long she was in labour before the surgery. During the immediate recovery period, she must be closely monitored until she is completely awake, able to stand on her own, and interested in caring for her puppies.
Depending on the type of suture material used, the stitches may or may not have to be removed. Many veterinarians use internal, absorbable sutures that are not visible and do not need to be removed. If the stitches are visible, they need to be removed, which is typically 10 to 14 days after surgery. If skin staples were used, they must be removed within 10 to 14 days.
CAN C-SECTIONS BE SCHEDULED?
To prevent the need for emergency admission, we typically schedule C-sections between 58 and 62 days following the first mating. 63 days from ovulation typically falls within 24 hours of the due date. However, without exact progesterone monitoring during breeding, this timeframe may be incorrect. Considering bitches carrying large litters may also experience early delivery, we recommend you monitor her for the last 48 hours before her surgery to ensure she does not go into labour unattended.
ADVICE FOR WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY OF THE C-SECTION?
Please be advised that NO food or drink is to be consumed on the day of the C-Section. Before starting the C-section, one of our vets will first perform a reverse progesterone test to ensure mom is close to natural labour. When you come in for your Caesarean, we recommend bringing the following items:
- Blankets
- Towels
- Basket or box for the puppies
- Hot water bottle or heat pad
WHAT HAPPENS POST SURGERY?
What to expect after your dog’s Caesarean section and how to keep her safe and comfortable when she comes home. Remember: If you have any concerns or questions, contact our emergency clinic or your daytime vet directly. As your dog has had a general anaesthetic and major abdominal surgery, you’ll likely notice that:
- She’s drowsy but can still walk
- She has a wound which may be covered by a light dressing
- She has a bandage on one or more legs, meaning she’s received medications through an intravenous drip (These are normally removed shortly after returning home unless instructed otherwise)
- A small amount of bloody fluid comes from her vagina (which is normal for a pet who’s just given birth)
DO'S/DONT'S AFTER MY DOGS C-SECTION?
WHAT TO DO
- Let her go to the toilet
- Settle her down in a quiet, calm area to help reduce anxiety and stress
- Offer a small meal and ensure access to fresh water
- Check the wound regularly and make sure your pet doesn’t interfere with the area (we’d usually apply protective collars or shirts after surgery, but we don’t always do this because collars/shirts sometimes prevent newborns from feeding properly)
- Give her any medications that the vet has prescribed
- Contact your daytime vet to organise a post-operative check — ideally to take place within 3 days of surgery. External stitches may need to be removed after 10-14 days — the vet will let you know if this is the case
- Make sure your dog gets their rest — this means no running, jumping or playing until an assessment with the vet/vet nurse at her final post-op check
WHAT NOT TO DO
- Don’t leave the mother alone with her newborns until she’s fully awake, can stand on her own and has shown interest in caring for them
- Please contact your emergency clinic or your daytime vets if you see any of the following signs;
- Lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
- Heavy vaginal bleeding, or smelly/discoloured vaginal discharge
- Pale gums
- Discharge from the wound
- Swelling, redness or pain in the wound
Enquire about Dog C-Sections at Trusted Vets near Stratford Upon Avon here.