Everything About C-Sections for a Pregnant Pet

Having a pet that is expecting can be thrilling. Generally, pets should be able to give birth naturally with no problems. However, some complications that necessitate an emergency caesarian section (C-section) to save the mother and the kittens or puppies may arise. Only experienced vets should perform this delicate pet surgery. Our Pet Vets, serving La Mesa, CA, and San Diego, CA, is happy to help you with your pet needs today. 

How Do You Know Your Pet Needs an Emergency C-Section?

Being concerned about pet wellness is normal as their pregnancy is nearing its term. You should take your pet to our vet for an emergency C-section if you notice the following complications before or during birth: 

• Pus-like or Bloody Discharge Before Birth: All pet vaginal discharge before birth should be clear except when the mucus plug is shedding, which is often a whitish stringy discharge. The pus-like discharge could indicate a serious infection like pyometra and requires immediate veterinarian attention
• Greenish-Black Discharge: Green vaginal discharge could indicate that the placenta has separated from the uterine wall. Greenish or greenish-black discharge before labor could suggest that one or more of the babies could be in distress 
• Stage 1 Labor that Lasts Longer than 12 Hours: Stage 1 labor is the duration before hard labor and usually involves panting, restlessness, nesting, shaking, and digging. After the first 6 hours, you can encourage your pet to walk, which can help stimulate contractions
• Stage 2 Labor that Lasts Longer than 4 Hours: Stage 2 labor is characterized by intermittent hard straining
• Over 2 Hours Lapse between Puppies Being Born: The pet may have birthed all her litter or might have gotten tired and unable to continue. If your pet still appears restless after a walk to stimulate contractions and giving them some food to reenergize them, they may still have babies inside

Post-Surgery Pet Wellness

After the surgery, you can expect your pet to recover from the anesthesia when you arrive home or within six hours. It’s essential that you carefully supervise the pet and its puppies or kittens during the recovery period. The pet should not be left alone with the newborn to avoid any unsafe interaction with the newborn.

Only small amounts of food and water should be offered every 15 to 30 minutes for the first 24 hours after the surgery. Make sure to also follow any other specific advice our veterinarian shared before the pet was discharged.

Visit Us if You Need Pet Surgery in California!

If you are near La Mesa, CA, and San Diego, CA, visit Our Pet Vets for pet care services, including surgery. Contact us today if you would like any additional insight for your pregnant pet or newborn.