Small Animal Rotating Intern Colorado State University
Ovariohysterectomy is frequently recommended at the time of caesarean section (c-section) in canines, yet prior literature suggests poor mothering ability and increased morbidity to the bitch with concurrent ovariohysterectomy. The study objective was to evaluate the effect of ovariohysterectomy during c-section on maternal outcomes. The hypothesis was that there would be no difference in outcomes between bitches that underwent c-section with ovariohysterectomy (CSOVH) and those that underwent c-section without ovariohysterectomy (CS). Medical records from 2014 through 2021 were reviewed and owners were surveyed for information up to weaning. Eighty bitches undergoing CS and 45 bitches undergoing CSOVH were identified. All 125 bitches survived until weaning. There was no difference in anesthesia duration, intra-operative complications, post-operative complications, mothering ability, or puppy survival between CS and CSOVH. Duration of surgery was longer for CSOVH (P=.033, 54.4 ± 20.7 min vs. 52.6 ± 17.3 min), as was time from delivery to nursing (P=.022, 74.4 ± 22.3 min vs. 70.3 ± 20.4 min). Ninety owners (72%) responded to the survey. CSOVH bitches were more likely to be perceived as painful post-operatively (P=.015, OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.3-13.1). The increased duration of surgery and time from delivery to nursing are likely clinically insignificant. Appropriate post-operative pain management should be emphasized post-CSOVH. This study was limited by its retrospective nature and relying on client surveys for follow-up. The findings of this study suggest that performing an ovariohysterectomy at the time of c-section does not pose a significant increase in risk to the bitch.
