Caesarian Section (Canine)

"Lexi", a 2 year old female Chihuahua, was presented having difficulty giving birth. She had been in labor for several hours and there were fetal membranes visible protruding slightly from the birth canal.

Radiographs revealed a single fetus in breech presentation. The fetus was extremely large and was much larger than the pelvic canal of the mother. It was impossible for the puppy to be delivered naturally. On the radiograph the fetal skeleton can be visualized - (1) skull, (2) spine and (3) rear limbs and pelvis.

A decision was made to operate and "Lexi" was prepared for surgery.

Here one horn of the uterus is seen distended with the puppy. The puppy was delivered by Caesarian and at the uterus and ovaries were removed at the owner's request (spay or ovariohysterectomy).

Since "Lexi" had to be anesthetized for the surgery and mother and puppies share the same blood, the puppy had to be revived after she was removed from the uterus.

The surgery complete, "Lexi" will now recover from the anesthesia while vet technicians care for the newborn puppy.

Here is "Lexi" about an hour later with her puppy vigorously trying to nurse.