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Adams et al: Risk factors for neonatal mortality prior to hospital discharge in brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic dogs undergoing cesarean section
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Neonatal survival to discharge was 93.1% overall, with no significant difference between brachycephalic (94.8%) and nonbrachycephalic (91.8%) breeds.
  • Elective C-section significantly improved neonatal survival (99.2%) compared to emergency C-section (87.1%) (p < .001).
  • Larger C-section litter size was positively associated with survival (p = .004; OR 1.57), whereas total litter size had no effect.
  • Maternal heart rate and stage of labor were associated with neonatal mortality in univariable analysis, but not multivariable.
  • Brachycephalism alone was not a risk factor for neonatal mortality (p = .221) in multivariable analysis.
  • Emergency C-section was the strongest predictor of neonatal mortality (OR 4.75), regardless of breed.
  • Multidisciplinary team approach likely contributed to high survival rates, emphasizing importance of coordinated care.
  • Historical factors such as primiparity and maternal age were not associated with mortality in this cohort.

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← Articles

Adams et al: Risk factors for neonatal mortality prior to hospital discharge in brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic dogs undergoing cesarean section
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Neonatal survival to discharge was 93.1% overall, with no significant difference between brachycephalic (94.8%) and nonbrachycephalic (91.8%) breeds.
  • Elective C-section significantly improved neonatal survival (99.2%) compared to emergency C-section (87.1%) (p < .001).
  • Larger C-section litter size was positively associated with survival (p = .004; OR 1.57), whereas total litter size had no effect.
  • Maternal heart rate and stage of labor were associated with neonatal mortality in univariable analysis, but not multivariable.
  • Brachycephalism alone was not a risk factor for neonatal mortality (p = .221) in multivariable analysis.
  • Emergency C-section was the strongest predictor of neonatal mortality (OR 4.75), regardless of breed.
  • Multidisciplinary team approach likely contributed to high survival rates, emphasizing importance of coordinated care.
  • Historical factors such as primiparity and maternal age were not associated with mortality in this cohort.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Adams 2022 et al., on C-section survival rates, what was the neonatal survival to discharge rate in puppies from elective procedures?

A. 87.1%
B. 89.4%
C. 94.8%
D. 97.6%
E. 99.2%

Answer: 99.2%

Explanation: Neonatal survival after elective C-section was 99.2%, significantly higher than emergency cases.
In Adams 2022 et al., on C-section survival rates, what relationship was found between C-section litter size and neonatal survival?

A. Larger litters had lower survival
B. Smaller litters had higher survival
C. Larger C-section litters had higher survival
D. Total litter size determined survival
E. No relationship found

Answer: Larger C-section litters had higher survival

Explanation: Larger C-section litter size was positively associated with neonatal survival (OR 1.57, p = .004), while total litter size was not predictive.
In Adams 2022 et al., on C-section survival rates, which factor was most strongly associated with improved neonatal survival?

A. Breed (brachycephalic)
B. Litter size >6
C. Total litter size
D. Elective vs emergency C-section
E. Use of epidural

Answer: Elective vs emergency C-section

Explanation: Survival was significantly higher in elective (99.2%) vs emergency (87.1%) C-sections; this was the strongest predictor in multivariable analysis.
In Adams 2022 et al., on C-section survival rates, how did brachycephalic breed status influence survival in the multivariable model?

A. Increased mortality
B. Decreased mortality
C. No effect
D. Only significant in elective C-sections
E. Only significant in emergency C-sections

Answer: No effect

Explanation: Brachycephalism was not a significant variable in the multivariable model for neonatal survival (p = .221).
In Adams 2022 et al., on C-section survival rates, what was the overall neonatal survival to hospital discharge for all breeds combined?

A. 85.7%
B. 88.2%
C. 90.5%
D. 93.1%
E. 96.4%

Answer: 93.1%

Explanation: 93.1% was the reported overall survival rate for all puppies delivered via C-section across both breed types.

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