Options for whelping include natural whelping or a planned C-section. Litter survival rates are generally higher with properly timed Cesarean sections (C-sections) which is why many clients who are concerned about breed whelping risks or potential puppy losses (for example a very special frozen semen pregnancy) may elect to schedule an elective C-section. C-sections are usually scheduled for 57 days from the onset of diestrus or 63 days from ovulation (the time progesterone reaches ~ 5 ng/ml). Diestrus can be determined from the vaginal cytology and ovulation day is determined from progesterone +/- LH testing. It is very import to perform pre-breeding ovulation timing if you are even considering the potential for an elective C-section for your bitch. Because the normal bitch may stand for breeding for a wide window of time around ovulation, if ovulation timing was not performed, determining the best date for an elective C-section is more difficult in order to prevent delivery of premature puppies.
If natural whelping is planned, the radiograph just prior to her expected whelping date allows evaluation of the estimated size of the puppies as well as expected number of puppies. The radiograph is not harmful to the developing pups when performed in the last week of pregnancy. In the last trimester of pregnancy, x-ray has been reported to be 100% accurate for pregnancy diagnosis. X-ray is not as accurate an indicator of fetal viability as is ultrasonography, and so these two diagnostic tests may be combined based on the recommendation of a member of our reproductive staff. Late gestation x-ray is the most accurate modality for assessment of puppy number or expected litter size, with a reported accuracy of 93%. Degree of mineralization of the puppies can be also used to assess gestational age and roughly predict whelping date, although gestational aging is more accurate with ultrasound. In addition, x-ray can assist with determination of obvious fetal-maternal disproportion which may increase the risk for difficult birth (dystocia) and assist with the decision to pursue and elective C- section.
Dystocia or difficult birth should be identified as early as possible as early intervention is the key to minimizing puppy losses and maintaining the health of the bitch. It is important to call with any questions or concerns. Some evidence of a problems include but are not limited to the bitch going for more than 2 hours between puppies, strong straining on the part of the bitch for 20 minutes without producing a pup, or development of a black or green vulvar discharge before any pups are produced as this discharge indicates placental detachment. It is important to have your bitch evaluated immediately if you suspect your bitch is experiencing dystocia. It is very important to call with any questions or concerns, as often something that may seem minor could be a symptom of a more serious concern. We strongly recommend that you call our reproductive team with daily status updates as your bitch approaches her planned due date and when she begins labor. After-hours, if an emergency develops that can not wait, please call the emergency clinic.
Please note that our team works hard to accommodate the special needs of our reproductive clients. The size of our staff and our schedule limits the emergency care we can provide during our normal hours. This includes our clients who may need an emergency Caesarian (C-section) due to difficulty with their bitch/queen during whelping/queening. We thank you for your understanding as we are working hard to assist you with your reproductive care needs. We look forward to working with you to accomplish your exciting breeding plans.
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY REPRODUCTIVE CARE OPTIONS:
Veterinary Emergency and Urgent Care Facilities for after hours reproductive care. Please call ahead prior to traveling to ensure they can take care of your pet's emergency needs such as an emergency C-section.
VCA South Shore Animal Hospital 595 Columbian St, South Weymouth, MA 02190 781-337-6622
MA/RI ER (Urgent care only - call ahead as may not be able to do emergency C-sections)
477 Milford Rd, Swansea, MA 02777
508-730-1112
Veterinary Urgent Care Center (not 24hrs walk in welcome but call ahead as may not be able to do emergency C-sections)
291 Quincy Ave, Quincy, MA 617-481-5197
Plymouth 774-608-7016
New England Animal Medical Center
595 W Center St, West Bridgewater, MA 02379
508-580-2515
Tufts ER
525 South St, Walpole, MA 02081
508-668-5454
Blue Pearl
180 Bear Hill Rd, Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 684-8387
Boston West Veterinary ER
Natick 508-319-2117
Veterinary Emergency Group
Newton 617-729-4446
Westford Emergency and Critical Care
Westford 978-577-6525