Abnormal Birth?
What would be considered an abnormal birth in most breeds is actually quite common with the Bulldog. Caesarean Section, which is not routinely performed in other breeds, is the most common birth method for the Bulldog. An abnormal birth for a Bulldog would be any other time a natural whelping is complicated by issues such as uterine inertia, a larger than normal puppy, a puppy lying crosswise and blocking the uterine exit, or any maternal complication such as excessive bleeding. Since most of these conditions have a high incidence of occuring in Bulldogs, most owners choose a C-Section without attempting a natural whelping.
The major risks of delivering puppies via C-Section come from general anesthesia and bleeding. Most veterinarians with experience in anesthetizing flat-faced breeds and Bulldog C-Sections recommend checking blood clotting times prior to the surgery so there are less chances of surprises during the surgery. Another risk with the surgery is that the puppies will be delivered too early, which can cause serious illness and even death. A simple test to check progesterone levels in the mother can be helpful since these levels usually drop right before labor is due to begin.
Other terms associated with Bulldog deliveries include:
Breech birth - this is when a puppy is born rump first instead of head first. This usually causes no problems, except when the first puppy to be born is in this position.
Abortion - this is the loss of the contents of the uterus before term. Most spontaneous abortions are caused by an infection called Brucellosis, although other infections can cause it as well.
Artificial Insemination - Bulldogs may have trouble breeding naturally and may require some help. Artificial insemination is most often done with the help of an experienced veterinarian. Although most artificial inseminations are freshly collected, it is now possible, to help facilitate long-distance and foreign breeding, to use frozen semen. A dog who is a particularly good stud dog can have it's semen frozen for use in the future.
Pyometra - is an abnormal uterine lining that has been stimulated by progesterone, and eventually becomes infected by bacteria. Progesterone is the hormone that causes thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. This creates an environment that is attractive to invading bacteria and therefore may produce an acute infection. Pyometra occurs most frequently in a bitch during the time after an estrus that she was not bred. Pyometra is a serious life threatening condition that should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Pregnancy - or gestation, is the time period between conception and whelping. This time frame averages from 59 to 66 days. Bulldogs usually produce small litters, so the female may not look pregnant until the fifth or sixth week of the pregnancy when her abdomen will begin to fill-out and her appetite may increase.
Metritis - is a uterine infection that commonly follows free whelping. This condition may be caused by retained placental material in the uterus, obstetrical exams, and bacteria. Most often the infection is caused by E. coli. Obvious signs of the illness include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, neglect of the puppies, and often a foul smelling vaginal discharge. This condition is a serious medical emergency and should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
The major risks of delivering puppies via C-Section come from general anesthesia and bleeding. Most veterinarians with experience in anesthetizing flat-faced breeds and Bulldog C-Sections recommend checking blood clotting times prior to the surgery so there are less chances of surprises during the surgery. Another risk with the surgery is that the puppies will be delivered too early, which can cause serious illness and even death. A simple test to check progesterone levels in the mother can be helpful since these levels usually drop right before labor is due to begin.
Other terms associated with Bulldog deliveries include:
Breech birth - this is when a puppy is born rump first instead of head first. This usually causes no problems, except when the first puppy to be born is in this position.
Abortion - this is the loss of the contents of the uterus before term. Most spontaneous abortions are caused by an infection called Brucellosis, although other infections can cause it as well.
Artificial Insemination - Bulldogs may have trouble breeding naturally and may require some help. Artificial insemination is most often done with the help of an experienced veterinarian. Although most artificial inseminations are freshly collected, it is now possible, to help facilitate long-distance and foreign breeding, to use frozen semen. A dog who is a particularly good stud dog can have it's semen frozen for use in the future.
Pyometra - is an abnormal uterine lining that has been stimulated by progesterone, and eventually becomes infected by bacteria. Progesterone is the hormone that causes thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. This creates an environment that is attractive to invading bacteria and therefore may produce an acute infection. Pyometra occurs most frequently in a bitch during the time after an estrus that she was not bred. Pyometra is a serious life threatening condition that should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Pregnancy - or gestation, is the time period between conception and whelping. This time frame averages from 59 to 66 days. Bulldogs usually produce small litters, so the female may not look pregnant until the fifth or sixth week of the pregnancy when her abdomen will begin to fill-out and her appetite may increase.
Metritis - is a uterine infection that commonly follows free whelping. This condition may be caused by retained placental material in the uterus, obstetrical exams, and bacteria. Most often the infection is caused by E. coli. Obvious signs of the illness include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, neglect of the puppies, and often a foul smelling vaginal discharge. This condition is a serious medical emergency and should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
