Archive for the 'c section' Category

Ask the French Bulldog Vet - Free whelped, or C Section?

lorihuntdvm July 4th, 2008

I have a frenchie that is expecting her first litter of puppies.  I am trying to decide if I should schedule a C-section or allow her to try to whelp naturally.  What is your opinion?

Dr. Lori writes -
Absolutely you need to plan on a c-section!

Generally speaking, frenchies are not free whelping dogs.  So a cesarean will be necessary.  Trying to free whelp will most likely result in the loss of mom or puppies or BOTH!

Unless you have an exact due date based on ovulation date (which can be determined by progesterone testing done while breeding), then you will need to wait for signs.

I really hope you did progesterone testing!

As her approximate due date gets close, you should take her temperature rectally three times daily.  A normal bitch’s temperature is 100-102.  12-24 hours before labor begins, her temp will drop by at least one full degree and often down around 98 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is the time when you call your vet and schedule the section for that day.  You can also take her to your vet and have daily progesterones done (need to be able to get results quickly, within hours) as when her progesterone drops below 2.0 ng/dl, she will be safe to section.

Good Luck as frenchies can be very difficult to whelp and raise and by your question it sounds like you haven’t done nearly enough research.  I hope you have some time before they arrive to prepare.

Dr. Lori Hunt, DVM

Editor’s Note: I once had a lovely little bitch who came from a free whelping mother. As her due date approached, I assumed she would also be able to successfully free whelp. I was experienced in assisting my girls with their deliveries, and confident all would go well.

Unfortunately, I was wrong - her first puppy, a large pied boy, became lodged in her birth canal. We barely made it to the emergency clinic in time to save her life and the lives of her other two pups. The boy was already dead. Now, I c section all my girls. It’s just not worth losing a single other pup, at least not to me…

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Getting Started as a French Bulldog Breeder

patpearce December 7th, 2007

Getting Started as a Frenchie Breeder

How do I start being a breeder? I think I would be good at it. I love
dogs very much. I have had French bulldogs for almost four years and
know a lot about them. Can you help me?

Pat writes:

If you are serious about being a breeder, the wisest thing for you to is find an established French Bulldog breeder who is willing to mentor you. You can write to breeder on e-lists or go to shows and meet some. When you find someone you respect and who has knowledge and is willing to work with you, even it is long distance and by email & telephone, you can begin.

You will want to find as nice a female as you can possibly afford. And by nice I mean, meets the French Bulldog Standard, passes her health tests, ears, eyes, spine and hips as a minimum… And if at all possible talk with her breeder about the line that she comes from and what traits you should be aware of - both good and not so good. And you want to make sure she has a good temperament.

You want to be very careful not to double up on any undesirable traits in the line (make sure the stud & his line don’t also carry any of the same undesirable traits)

And you need to think about WHY you want to breed. It is not a task to be undertaken lightly. You will want to breed the best you can, try to better the breed with your breeding.

And you have to realize that with the joy of a new litter, there will be a lot of expense, progesterone testing, Artificial Insemination, and a carefully timed Cesarean section. There are nutritional requirements for the bitch before, during and after the pregnancy. And there WILL BE lots of heartache. You will lose puppies - at birth and later for reasons that may or may not make sense. And you can lose your bitch. She can die during the surgery for the section, or from shock or embolism after, or from infection post section. It doesn’t happen often - but can and does. Then you have a litter to hand raise.

And for you personally - it is a great commitment. First if you work you will have to plan to take time from work for the section, and then for at least 10 days to 3 weeks after - depending on things… unless you have a work place where you can safely take mom and babes with you. And sleep will be a rare commodity for the first several days at best and longer if there are complications.

I don’t tell you these things to dissuade you, but to make you fully aware of the consequences of your decision. I believe that many reputable breeders would gladly take a new person to mentor if the new person is truly committed to the breed and is aware of what is involved in the decision to breed your sweet little girl - knowing that your decision may cost her her life.

Pat

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