c-section questions!!!???

[Susan123]

Progesterone testing is best for determining ovulation, hence the section date. Not all of these guys are typical. Not sure if you did that or not but, thought I'd mention that since ovulation is a component here. Alot of vets want them to at least go into labor first (at least a temp drop), to be sure the pups are mature. I'd feel safer, if for some reason I had to plan one, for my bitch to go into labor first.

[RockinRhonda]

But why have a csection if you dont have to, They are so hard on a small dog.Was just curious

[DejaVu]

yes I did 3 progesterone tests, she will be 63 days from her ovulation date on the 25th of sept.

I am not dead set on having the planned c-section. Its already scheduled but I did that so that I would guaruntee an appt. I want to make sure first that I am not over reacting by having this planned c-section.

[Sugar's Mom]

my vet doesn't believe in "planned' sections. If he thinks there might be a problem, he lets me know by saying "be prepared for a section". he also is available to me 24/7 so I don't have to worry about going to an emergency vet.

[gardenyorkies]

I would suggest that you wait until labor starts...temp has dropped...and signs of impending delivery are apparent...IF you take pups before the bitch goes into labor you stand the risk of her uterus not wanting to contract back down to normal size...When the bitch is under anesthesia, before closing, the vet will give the uterus a shot of oxytocin...If the uterus does not start to contract after the administering the shot then they may have to spay your bitch...

[gardenyorkies]

Originally Posted by RockinRhonda

But why have a csection if you dont have to, They are so hard on a small dog.Was just curious

Actually a section can be easier on the bitch when planned...The bitch does not have to labor for long periods of time which can cause fatigue...Then you put the bitch through surgery under stress which increases your chances for complications...I do not let my girls labor for long periods of time for this reason!

[DejaVu]

Thanks for the info, this is a hard decision. I dont want to put her through a surgery if its not necessary, but it might be safer to do so. I dont know.. Sounds like most whelp naturally though. I guess I will have to decide when I get her xrays done, I will probably go to the vet around 22nd and ask the vet if she thinks she will be okay to whelp natural. Shes 5.5-6lbs pre-preggie weight.

I heard if you can put two fingers between her hips she is okay, is that accurate?

[Sunnie]

wow! I have to say I am surprized! Sunshine had to have a c-section with her last litter.. After x-rays, we were pretty sure she was going to need one.. but my vet told me "we do NOT schedule" c-sections until after we give the bitch an opportunity to attempt to free whelp. Of course Sunshine never got to the free whelp part with this litter because I KNEW she wasn't going to be able to free whelp this litter. The first litter, she just popped them out.. This litter, she panted for several hours and never once tried to push, so into the vet she went. As for the other part of the question. Sunshine had a section at 1pm and was spayed at the same time (although if I was faced with the same decision the spay would have been done at a later date) On any account, she was able to come home with the puppies at 4:30 pm the same day.

[DejaVu]

Originally Posted by Sunnie

wow! I have to say I am surprized! Sunshine had to have a c-section with her last litter.. After x-rays, we were pretty sure she was going to need one.. but my vet told me "we do NOT schedule" c-sections until after we give the bitch an opportunity to attempt to free whelp. Of course Sunshine never got to the free whelp part with this litter because I KNEW she wasn't going to be able to free whelp this litter. The first litter, she just popped them out.. This litter, she panted for several hours and never once tried to push, so into the vet she went. As for the other part of the question. Sunshine had a section at 1pm and was spayed at the same time (although if I was faced with the same decision the spay would have been done at a later date) On any account, she was able to come home with the puppies at 4:30 pm the same day.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad you were able to get your girl Sunshine in before she had serious complications.

May I ask why you are suprised? Ahh, I am so nervous!

[Susan123]

She should be able to whelp just fine. Use the c-section as a back up plan, if she is in trouble. Just be prepared to assist if she needs help when whelping.

[DejaVu]

Thanks Susan, I think I just might do that. I will have the xrays done to see any potiental problems and if all looks well I will attempt natural whelping. I have whelped and assisted many other breedings, but this is my first yorkie litter.

[Susan123]

I'm sure you'll do fine. Way to go though, for learning before hand since yorkies are different. Good luck, keep us updated!

[Wrenee4]

1. When do plan for an elective c-section?

I have never planned a c-section, but I do take them in for an xray first. The one time that they stated that 100% that the female needed one - she free whelped!

2. Which day do you plan for the surgery, 60th day from the first breeding? 63rd day from ovulation? When?

Ours plans 60 days from the last breeding...the pups have to be so old before they are taken or they won't live.

3. Does you vet let you stay and watch during the surgery?

We got to watch and help revive the pups. It takes them a little longer (they are a little rougher too) when it's a c-section. Those pups have the same meds running through them as the mommy does and you need them to wake up!

4. When does the vet let you take momma and the babies home after?

We got to take ours home after she woke up and the pups nursed a little. They wanted to make sure that Mommy was providing milk for the babies first.

5. How often do you normally have to have a c-section done, planned or unplanned?

We have had three c-sections so far. All unplanned and emergency.

As for planning and unplanning there are many diff opinions. Myself I would rather it be that they try first. That way they know what is going on and I think it is way more healthy on the female that to be cut open.
As for not feeding - if it's planned yes I would follow what they say. You don't want to do anything that may hurt her. With an emergency usually the female goes off her food anyway the day of having her pups.

Hope that helps a little!!

[DejaVu]

Originally Posted by Wrenee4

1. When do plan for an elective c-section?

I have never planned a c-section, but I do take them in for an xray first. The one time that they stated that 100% that the female needed one - she free whelped!

2. Which day do you plan for the surgery, 60th day from the first breeding? 63rd day from ovulation? When?

Ours plans 60 days from the last breeding...the pups have to be so old before they are taken or they won't live.

3. Does you vet let you stay and watch during the surgery?

We got to watch and help revive the pups. It takes them a little longer (they are a little rougher too) when it's a c-section. Those pups have the same meds running through them as the mommy does and you need them to wake up!

4. When does the vet let you take momma and the babies home after?

We got to take ours home after she woke up and the pups nursed a little. They wanted to make sure that Mommy was providing milk for the babies first.

5. How often do you normally have to have a c-section done, planned or unplanned?

We have had three c-sections so far. All unplanned and emergency.

As for planning and unplanning there are many diff opinions. Myself I would rather it be that they try first. That way they know what is going on and I think it is way more healthy on the female that to be cut open.
As for not feeding - if it's planned yes I would follow what they say. You don't want to do anything that may hurt her. With an emergency usually the female goes off her food anyway the day of having her pups.

Hope that helps a little!!

Thanks so much for the info! I am really worried about going through with the c-section. The part about the puppies not waking up as easily because of the drugs scares me, i read on the net to ask for a certain anesthetic that is out of their system quicker and doesnt affect the pups as much. But I have decided to get the xrays done and make sure they look good before attempting the free whelp and then be prepared for a c-section if she has complications. I cant wait, shes getting bigger by the day and she is walking funny now. I am guessing she has 3 babies, MAYBE 4...I will find out next monday the 22nd.

[Wrenee4]

Originally Posted by DejaVu

Thanks so much for the info! I am really worried about going through with the c-section. The part about the puppies not waking up as easily because of the drugs scares me, i read on the net to ask for a certain anesthetic that is out of their system quicker and doesnt affect the pups as much. But I have decided to get the xrays done and make sure they look good before attempting the free whelp and then be prepared for a c-section if she has complications. I cant wait, shes getting bigger by the day and she is walking funny now. I am guessing she has 3 babies, MAYBE 4...I will find out next monday the 22nd.

No problem! Our vet also uses acupuncture on the pups and gives them something in the back of their throats? I am not sure what it is, but I am guessing it is something that helps them to get going. Bring something with you to bring the pups home in too. It's nice to bring a hot water bottle or we use the Snugglesafe disks to keep them warm on the trip home. I would have it ready just in case. If it turns out to be an ER all your thoughts will go out the window and you will just are on autopilot! GOOD LUCK!!