Kitten Survival After Caesarean Section
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Short summary
This study investigates the causes of high kitten mortality associated with caesarean section in cats, correlating results with Apgar scores and anaesthetic protocols to improve survival of newborn kittens.
Kitten mortality is considerably higher when cats experience difficult labour than after a normal birth. As many as 44% of kittens may die before leaving the veterinary hospital, compared with 16% dying between birth and weaning after a normal delivery. Despite this, we still know relatively little about why mortality is so high among kittens born by caesarean section.
Using the Apgar score
One way to reduce mortality may be to identify weak kittens early, so that they can receive additional care. In human medicine, the Apgar score has been used for more than 50 years to quickly and systematically assess the condition of newborn babies and identify those who need extra care. The method has also been adapted for puppies and can help identify newborn puppies at increased risk of dying. Although Apgar scoring has been studied in puppies, its use in newborn kittens remains largely unexplored.
Why do kittens die?
To make the best use of Apgar scoring in kittens, we also need to understand why kittens die. Fetal death can both contribute to and result from difficult labour. Prolonged or complicated labour can cause a lack of oxygen to the fetus. This can result in stillbirth, but may also cause injuries that leave live-born kittens weak and more susceptible to infections. Infections transmitted from the mother to the fetus through the placenta may also increase the risk of stillbirth or death shortly after birth.
A difficult cause of death to determine
Determining the cause of death sometimes requires extensive testing that is not routinely included in post-mortem examinations, partly because of the cost. As a result, infections may be an underestimated cause of kitten mortality.
About the study
In this study, we will combine information from caesarean sections, Apgar scores, and post-mortem examinations. Our aim is to improve our understanding of why kittens die and, ultimately, to identify kittens that need additional care so that more kittens can survive.