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…
