Need care after hours? We’re here for you! Urgent Care now available Mondays & Fridays from 5PM – 9PM.
Need care after hours? We’re here for you! Urgent Care now available Mondays & Fridays from 5PM – 9PM.
Advanced surgical care for your pregnant pet when natural delivery isn’t possible — ensuring the safety of both mother and newborns during critical birthing situations.
When your pregnant pet needs surgical intervention, trust Sacramento's experienced veterinary team to provide expert care during this critical time.
A pet cesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure performed to deliver puppies or kittens when natural birth isn’t possible or safe. At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, our veterinary surgeons perform this procedure when complications arise during labor or when certain risk factors make a planned C-section the safest option for mother and offspring.
C-sections may be necessary in emergency situations such as prolonged labor, fetal distress, or maternal exhaustion. They’re also commonly planned in advance for pets with known risk factors, including certain brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs or Persian cats, pets with a history of difficult deliveries, or cases where imaging shows unusually large puppies or kittens relative to the birth canal.
Broadway Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive cesarean section services, beginning with pre-surgical assessment to determine if a C-section is necessary. For planned procedures, we conduct thorough evaluations including physical examinations, medical history review, and sometimes imaging to identify risk factors that might complicate natural delivery.
Our surgical team performs C-sections using modern anesthetic protocols specially designed for pregnant animals, minimizing risks to both mother and offspring. These carefully selected medications allow for rapid recovery of the mother and minimal sedation effects on the newborns. Our surgical suite is equipped with specialized monitoring equipment to ensure the safety of the mother throughout the procedure.
Post-operative care is crucial following a cesarean section. We monitor the mother closely during recovery, managing pain effectively while ensuring she remains alert enough to care for her newborns. Our team provides guidance on proper nursing, maternal care, and potential complications to watch for at home. For newborns requiring special attention, we offer neonatal support including supplemental feeding techniques, temperature regulation, and management of any health issues.
For breeders and owners of breeds with high C-section rates, we provide pre-conception consultation to discuss risks, timing of planned procedures, and ways to optimize outcomes. Our goal is to support responsible breeding practices while ensuring the health and safety of all animals involved.
C section surgery is highly successful when performed by experienced veterinarians using proper protocols. The key to success lies in minimizing the time under general anesthesia and ensuring newborn puppies receive immediate care after delivery. Most dogs deliver healthy litters when the procedure is performed promptly. Success rates are highest when the emergency c section is performed before maternal exhaustion sets in or fetal distress becomes severe.
The mother’s recovery period typically lasts 10-14 days and requires careful monitoring of both the surgical site and nursing behavior. Pain management is crucial during this time, with medications selected that won’t affect milk production or harm nursing puppies. We provide detailed instructions on monitoring the mother’s teats for signs of mastitis or other complications. Most dogs recover completely and can care for their newborns normally with proper post-operative support.
Caring for only one puppy requires extra attention since single puppies may struggle with temperature regulation and proper nursing. These puppies often need supplemental warmth and may require assistance finding the mother’s teats. We recommend monitoring food intake closely, as single puppies sometimes have difficulty stimulating adequate milk production. Close veterinary follow-up is essential to ensure both mother and puppy thrive during the critical first weeks.
An emergency c section should be scheduled when labor has been prolonged beyond normal timeframes, when there are signs of fetal distress, or when the mother shows signs of exhaustion. Most dogs should deliver puppies within 2-3 hours of active contractions beginning. Warning signs include green discharge before the first puppy, more than 4 hours between puppies, or visible straining without progress. A thorough physical exam can determine if surgical intervention is necessary.
Anesthetic protocols for cesarean procedures are specifically designed to minimize effects on newborn puppies while ensuring the mother remains comfortable throughout surgery. The goal is rapid induction and recovery so the mother becomes completely awake quickly after delivery. We use medications that cross the placenta minimally and clear from the puppies’ systems rapidly. Close monitoring ensures both mother and newborns recover safely from general anesthesia exposure.
Comprehensive, compassionate care for your pet’s health and happiness, delivered by our experienced medical team.
Our experienced veterinarians provide many surgical services at our clinic, ranging from routine to advanced procedures.
Our skilled team delivers comprehensive medical care, equipped to handle everything from routine visits to complex conditions. Our state-of-the-art facility offers:
Our experienced team provides specialized care for exotic pets, from routine checkups to advanced treatments. We offer services for:
Our experienced team provides specialized care for exotic pets, from routine checkups to advanced treatments. We offer services for:
Our fully equipped veterinary hospital brings together advanced medical technology and skilled veterinary expertise to handle all your pet’s healthcare needs.
Whether it’s preventive care or complex procedures, we’re here to provide exceptional treatment at every stage of your pet’s life.
Your pet’s health is our expertise, which is why local news outlets like Fox40 News and Good Day Sacramento regularly invite Dr. Sam Varon to share essential pet care information, from emerging health concerns to answering everyday pet questions. When you choose Broadway Veterinary Hospital, you’re choosing care backed by expertise that Sacramento trusts.
Broadway Veterinary Hospital brings nearly five decades of surgical experience to reproductive emergencies and planned cesarean sections. Since 1976, we’ve performed countless successful C-sections, developing expertise in managing the unique challenges of different breeds and situations. This depth of experience translates to better outcomes and fewer complications for both mothers and newborns.
Our hospital features a modern surgical suite equipped with advanced monitoring equipment and specialized tools for reproductive procedures. Our anesthetic protocols are specifically designed for pregnant animals, prioritizing safety while minimizing effects on newborns. We maintain the capability for immediate emergency response, critical for unexpected dystocia cases where timely intervention makes the difference between life and death.
Our comprehensive approach extends beyond the surgery itself to include pre-breeding consultation, pregnancy monitoring, and extensive post-operative support. This continuum of care ensures the best possible outcomes during each phase of the reproductive process. Most importantly, our compassionate team understands the emotional significance of these procedures for pet owners and provides clear communication and support throughout the process.
Call 916-446-6154 or use our contact form to schedule.
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