Can anyone with experience tell me what the procedure is for planning an elective C Section is? - was chatting to a fellow breeder at ringcraft and we were having quite a debate on how they could be planned - how do you ensure the pups are viable (blood tests/scans/temp drop?) any experience appreciated - if you would prefer please send private message

Never done an elective c section but I have done an emergency one, vet dithering about need to section so used serum progesterones to establish bitch should be in active labour. For an elective c section would always opt to monitor falling progesterones to time section to ensure viability

Thanks :) I have experienced an emergency C sect but hadn't really thought about elective sects until this conversation - will look into the progesterone testing

I've discussed the option of an E.section with my vet who was of the opinion that she would only consider it if we planned to wait until the bitch was already in active labour.
The cascade of necessary ' Post whelping' hormones are only triggered by this event and are needed for normal mothering, milk production and recovery.
I'm sure in some breeds this isn't seen as necessary but then again, often those breeds dont have the normal maternal behaviour in any case.
" chicken and egg" perhaps ?

I had thought that you would have to wait for active labour but someone pointed out to ensure max number of staff to revive the pups most were done in working hours?

Phase one of labour can take a fair amount of time, dropping temperature up to 24 hrs etc.

The breeds who *tend* to want E.Ceasars have issues with birthing and mothering so they trade off one aspect of natural birth for likelyhood of maximum live pups.... most like.

>The breeds who *tend* to want E.Ceasars have issues with birthing and mothering so they trade off one aspect of natural birth for likelyhood of maximum live pups.... most like

But shouldn't we be breeding towards self whelping?  And if a bitch is not maternal, should we be using her for breeding?

That would pretty much decimate some breeds Jean!

I suppose if you own such a breed you get encouraged to ' go with the flow'...so sad as it gives me great pride and enjoyment to see my dogs as perfect, natural little mothers.

Hi - we've had a lot of C.Sections (probably too many although my bitches did tend to go into secondary inertia at the first feeling of pain!  Bassets!!) but in every case, not until my bitches had gone into labour, getting nowhere fast.   Yes, they were given pit shots to help things along, but I'd only do this a couple of times before asking my vet to go ahead with a Section.   This wasn't a pre-planned C.Section, as obviously I'd always hope we'd get a natural whelping.

Once the puppies were safely delivered, ALL my bitches were excellent mothers.   It was just the ouch mum they didn't always cope with.   And again, nothing to with not being able to physically self-whelp.   All in the mind.   It's the same with mating with many Bassets.   I was lucky to have one who helped himself, but most of mine needed us to assist.

ps   To avoid a problem re staffing, I'd always phone my vet once labour started so they were ready if needed.

What are 'pit shots' ?

Pituitary hormone used in the US for speeding up labour, and after whelping, not sure if it's the same as Oxytocin that is used here..

Thanks :)

It is - basically (the same as Oxytocin - sorry, this was mostly needed out in Canada)