The Birdneck Animal Hospital had a very special day yesterday. At 12:30 pm Dr. Johnson performed a cesarean section on a very special patient. Our patient is a one and a half year old pug. The entire staff was excited to welcome her new puppies to the world. The surgery lasted one hour. Below are some photos which documented the very special moments.
In this photo "Google" has been anesthetized and Kelley, our Licensed Veterinary Technician, is now performing the sterile surgical prep
Dr. Johnson has made an incision in "Google's" belly and has moved her uterus onto the sterile drape. He is preparing to make an incision into the uterus in order to begin removing the puppies. We are anticipating 6 or 7 puppies.
The first of the puppies has been removed from the uterus. Kelley has taken her out of surgery, suctioned fluids from her mouth, and is massaging her to stimulate breathing. This procedure is repeated for each puppy. The need for this massage is routine for a cesarean section birth. With a regular birth, being squeezed through the birth canal and the subsequent attentions of the mother would normally stimulate the puppy to breathe.
It takes an average of 63 days from when the mom is in heat, to deliver a precious pup such as this one.
Amy, one of the Veterinary Assistants, helps with another puppy. As it turns out, "Google" has given birth to seven pups. The entire staff is busy at work helping out as needed.
All four boys and three girls are breathing well on their own and warming on their heating bed. They are waiting for mom to come out of surgery.
"Google" has been reunited with her pups. Here, Dr. Johnson is closely monitoring everyone's progress. He is making sure everyone is recovering from the procedure comfortably.
Dr. Johnson helps the pups find their important first meal. The first feeding of colostrum is full of protective antibodies.
Everyone is tired from a very eventful hour and a half.
We are happy to report that the prognosis for "Google" and her 7 pups is good. Both mom and puppies went home the afternoon of the procedure. Birdneck Animal Hospital wishes them all the best, and we can't wait to see them for their first puppy exams which should be in 6-8 weeks!