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Caesarean is the process of removing puppies (or kittens or any other mammal) surgically from mum when they have reached their term date, rather than allowing them to be born naturally.
Caesareans are performed primarily for two reasons. Firstly, if the puppy becomes stuck during the birthing process or mum appears unable to have the puppy normally (e.g. due to uterine inertia), then an emergency caesarean is performed.
Secondly, an elective caesarean may be chosen near the time the puppies are due to be born. We perform many of these as this allows removal of the puppies prior to any risk of loss of life during the birthing process. It does not mean mum cannot have the puppies naturally, but it is insurance against “still births” where the puppy dies during the birthing procedure. An elective caesarean greatly reduces the risk of loss of puppies. It is very rare that we lose puppies during a caesarean at SEAH.
Most breeders alert us some days or weeks before the expected caesarean. The dog is then anaesthetised at the appropriate time and we aim to move from induction of the anaesthesia to removing the first puppy inside eight to ten minutes of starting the anaesthetic. The dogs receive antibiotics and pain relief at induction and opioid pain relief post removal of the last puppy. Most caesarean’s take 25 to 40 minutes from start to finish.
We perform many elective caesarean’s, currently more than one hundred per year. During the day, the procedure currently costs approximately $900 - $1,200, and after hours it costs approximately $1,500 - $1,700. Caesarean sections at emergency centres commonly cost $3,000 or more.
The time from when an owner walks in the door to when they leave with mum and puppies is usually only 2 to 3 hours. Post caesarean, the dog goes home with antibiotic and pain relief tablets. Mum is able to eat some hours post-surgery and will feed her puppies quite normally whilst still recovering.
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We believe that every pet deserves the best care - at a price point that is more affordable. Our team of veterinarians has over two decades of experience in caring for dogs, cats and pocket pets such as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and even birds. Our caring team or vets and nurses will not only make your pet feel welcome and safe during their time at our practice but also educate you on how to best care for your pet following a surgery or procedure.
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