If a dog is pregnant with only one puppy, is it normal to plan a C-Section?

[azariyah]

Additional details: Small dog, first litter.

 

[akilah]

@azariyah It is common because singletons often become very large. Sometimes they do not stimulate labor as well.

You need to have an x-ray done to make sure the puppy can come out. Then, makes sure you known the stages and signs of labor and distress and be ready to section at day 64 if the pup has not come out.

You can't let a dog just 'go'. Placenta have a life span and once that is over they die and the puppy with it.

 

[youcanjustcallmedory]

@azariyah If your vet is recommending it and saying so, listen to thier advice, ask about statistics for natural single puppy birth vs C section. Trust the peer reviewed science and statistics they bring to you. If they are any good, they are trying to advocate for what's best and safest your dog and the puppy, not trying to cash out.

 

[jonpy]

@youcanjustcallmedory Any suggestions for sources of that data?

 

[youcanjustcallmedory]

@jonpy https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682920/
https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-018-1381-8

The larger a puppy at birth is in relation to the size of the mother, the more risk for both the mother and the puppy durring normal whelping.

From a risk management perspective, c-section of a singleton is the better option, most vets will likely agree.

From a monetary perspective, natural is often preferred.

 

[imagebeastmarkbeast]

@azariyah Some dogs can't give birth and have to have a c - section..like French bulldogs..no matter how Bic or small the litter is

 

[treesd]

@azariyah No! Always try natural first. Wouldn’t hurt to ask vet though. My pug had three on her first litter natural.