Med. Weter. 81 (10), 551-556, 2025
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| ALEKSANDRA MODRZEWSKA, MAŁGORZATA OCHOTA, ZDZISŁAW KIEŁBOWICZ, AGNIESZKA ANTOŃCZYK |
| Comparison of neonatal puppy vitality following elective cesarean section with different induction agents and epidural anesthesia |
| The vitality and survival rate of newborn puppies delivered by cesarean section (CS) remain suboptimal. One key factor influencing CS outcomes is the anesthesia protocol used for the mother during the procedure. Typically, the effects of anesthesia on newborns are assessed using the Apgar scale. However, this scoring system may lack the sensitivity to detect subtle differences between anesthetic protocols. The primary goal of the study was to compare the mentioned CS protocols by analyzing the individual parameters that make up the Apgar score. The study enrolled 49 bitches scheduled to planned cesarean section divided into three groups. In the PROP and EPI groups, general anesthesia was induced using propofol. Anesthesia was then maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Additionally, in the EPI group, an epidural block was administered using lidocaine. The final Apgar scores in newborns from ALFA, PROP, and EPI groups showed no significant differences. However, analysis of the individual components of the clinical examination revealed differences in the puppies’ overall condition. Puppies in the ALFA group had a heart rate of 130.6 ± 37.9 beats per minute, which was significantly higher than that of the PROP and EPI groups (113.38 ± 46.0 and 112.10 ± 53.5 beats per minute, respectively). Additionally, a greater number of puppies in the ALFA group had pink-red mucous membranes compared to those in the other groups. Furthermore, puppies in the ALFA group received a higher average score for respiratory rate, even though the majority of pups across all three groups fell into the < 6 breaths per minute category. In summary, puppies in the ALFA group demonstrated greater hemodynamic stability, characterized by a higher heart rate (HR) and improved peripheral perfusion. |
| Key words: cesarean section, anesthesia, apgar scores |