C-Section Cross Section

This review examined the occurrence of cesarean sections (C-sections) in purebred dogs from the United Kingdom drawn from the 2004 Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee Purebred Dog Health Survey, which collected data from 170 recognized breeds. Owners anonymously completed questionnaires, with a response rate of 24%. A total of 151 breeds were included, and 13,141 bitches with 22,005 litters were examined. Dog breeds were stratified into brachycephalic, mesocephalic, and doliocephalic categories on the basis of skull conformation. The percentage of litters born by C-section defined the C-section frequency. C-sections were not reported in 7 breeds (Australian silky terrier, curly-coated retriever, German pinscher, Hamiltonstovare, Irish terrier, pharaoh hound, and Portuguese water dog). The Boston terrier, bulldog, French bulldog, mastiff, Scottish terrier, miniature bull terrier, German wirehaired pointer, Clumber spaniel, Pekingese, and Dandie Dinmont terrier had the peak C-section rates. Rates were particularly high in bulldogs, French bulldogs, and Boston terriers.

Commentary: This large-scale cross-sectional study offers valuable information on the breed incidence of C-section in purebred dogs. It is important to remember, however, that these data cannot be interpreted as the incidence of dystocia because the study did not distinguish between emergency and nonemergency situations. In my experience, C-sections are often performed on an elective basis in the French bulldog, Boston terrier, and bulldog; as such, the impression that “dystocia” occurs at a higher rate in these breeds may be false. It is unclear whether some individuals of these breeds could actually whelp a normal litter because most of these dogs have elective C-sections before an emergent situation arises.

Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born by cesarean section. Evans KM, Adams VJ. J SMALL ANIM PRACT 51:113-118, 2010.