Cesarean section

The most common indication for cesarean section is to relieve dystocia in the bitch or queen. Elective cesarean performed prior to full term in humans results in greater neonatal morbidity and mortality; therefore, accurate determination of gestational age is vital. Ultrasound can be used to predict the date of parturition. Radiography has been advocated for predicting the timing of parturition in dogs. The foam stability test has been advocated to determine whether fetal lung development is sufficient for birth. In order to minimize anesthetic time, it is recommended that the abdomen be clipped and an initial scrub performed prior to induction of anesthesia. Induction and maintenance of anesthesia must be tailored to each patient; however, decreased puppy vigor has been associated with the use of thiobarbiturates, ketamine, and inhalant anesthetics. The ventral abdomen is clipped and a preliminary scrub performed prior to induction of general anesthesia.