Comparison of 3 anesthetic protocols for the elective cesarean-section in the dog: Effects on the bitch and the newborn puppies.

Abstract This study assessed the influence of 3 different anesthetic protocols based on the quality of anesthesia induction and maintenance in four dog breeds (French Bulldog, n = 13; Yorkshire terrier, n = 12; Chihuahua, n = 10; Bull Terrier, n = 10) subjected to cesarean section. Neonatal mortality, birth defects and newborn viability were assessed. All females were pre-medicated with morphine (IM), and then were assigned to three different anesthetic protocols: group P (n = 17), anesthesia was induced with propofol (IV) and then also maintained with propofol until the complete delivery of puppies and then anesthesia was maintained afterwards with sevoflurane; group PS (n = 14), anesthesia was induced with IV propofol, and maintenance of the anesthesic plan was performed with sevoflurane; group PES (n = 14) the females were induced by propofol and an epidural anesthesia was then performed, anesthesia was then maintained with propofol until the complete extraction of all puppies and then anesthesia was maintained afterwards with sevoflurane. Throughout the surgery, group PES required a lower concentration of sevoflurane (p