Abstract
Simple SummaryThe high perinatal mortality rates in dogs are partly attributable to stress at parturition, with the production of cortisol (C), and related to the type of delivery, that is elective or emergency cesarean sections (ELCS and EMCS). Nitric oxide metabolites (NOs) are also related to the type of parturition (ELCS or EMCS), because of the different emotional and physical stresses experienced by the bitch in these two scenarios. The study aimed to assess the concentrations of C and NOs in the amniotic fluid of puppies delivered by ELCS or EMCS. In the amniotic fluid of the 32 puppies delivered by ELCS, C, and NOs concentrations were significantly lower than those found in the amniotic fluid of the 22 puppies delivered by EMCS. Lower C concentrations were found at increasing newborn viability assessed by Apgar score. Higher amniotic NOs concentrations were associated to increasing mother’s parity, puppies’ birthweight, and time of labor within the EMCS group. Due to the possible concurrence of several compartments (maternal, maybe placental, and fetal) to the final amniotic fluid composition, the definition of the role played by the three compartments in the higher C and NOs concentrations found in amniotic fluids collected from puppies delivered by EMCS than ELCS needs further clarifications.The neonatal response to stress was reported to be related to the type of delivery, that is elective or emergency cesarean sections (ELCS and EMCS, respectively). Nitric oxide (NO) is also reported to be related to uterine inertia, and high levels of NO metabolites (NOs) are associated with physical and emotional stress. The study aimed to assess the concentrations of cortisol (C) and NOs in the amniotic fluid of puppies delivered by ELCS or EMCS. In total, 32 puppies were delivered by ELCS and 22 by EMCS. ANCOVA showed an effect of the ELCS vs. EMCS on both amniotic NOs (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.001) concentrations. Lower amniotic C concentrations were found at increasing Apgar score (p < 0.001). Higher amniotic NOs concentrations were associated to increasing mother’s parity (p < 0.001), puppies’ birthweight (p < 0.001), and time of labor within the EMCS group (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between birthweight and amniotic NOs concentrations was also found (p < 0.05) in the EMCS group. Due to the possible concurrence of several compartments (maternal, maybe placental, and fetal) to the final amniotic fluid composition, the definition of the role played by the three compartments in the higher C and NOs concentrations found in amniotic fluids collected from puppies delivered by EMCS than ELCS needs further clarification.
Highlights
The high perinatal mortality rate reported in the dog [1,2] is caused by a multiplicity of factors, among which the process of whelping represents a major issue
The amniotic C concentrations in puppies delivered by emergency Caesarean section (EMCS) (10.7 ± 4.15 ng/mL) was higher than those found by Groppetti and colleagues in (3.5 ± 1.4 ng/mL) [29]
As compared with the amniotic Nitric oxide (NO) concentrations reported in humans, results from the present study showed higher mean amniotic NOs concentrations in both puppies delivered by elective Caesarean section (ELCS) (46.4 vs. 24.2 μmol/l in humans’ amniotic fluid collected at term, before the onset of labor, considered as elective Cesarean section) [11], and in puppies delivered by EMCS (93.9 vs. 39.2 μmol/l in human amniotic fluids collected at term in cases of abnormal pregnancies) [11]
Summary
The high perinatal mortality rate reported in the dog [1,2] is caused by a multiplicity of factors, among which the process of whelping represents a major issue. As litter-bearing, the dog is characterized by a relatively long stage 2 labor, generally occurring within 2 to. The survival rate of newborns was negatively correlated to the length of the stage 2 labor. Provided evidence that stage 2 labor around 5.5 h are associated to the highest newborn survival rates [4]. Among the numerous canine breeds belonging to the dog species, some are considered at risk for dystocia, often caused by uterine inertia, especially for those breeds characterized by large litter-size, as for instance large-sized dogs breeds [5,6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
