Expert: Marie Peppers / The Boston Terrier Lady - 6/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: my boston is going to have puppies, and i took her to the vet, they suggested that we go ahead and set an appointment for a c section, but i would like to know if its better that we give her a chance to have them natural instead of just assuming and          
putting her through the c section.

ANSWER: Hi Tina:  Well, the vet may have measured her and decided it would be very hard on her to deliver the pups.  They don't just suggest a C-section unless there is a reason for this.  If you want, you can get another opinion from another vet.

Best Wishes on your soon-to-be litter of pups!!!

Marie of The Doggie Chalet Hotel


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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: they actually did not take any measurements of her head, or anything at all to determine if she needed a c section, thats why i was concerned if they were just interested in the cost of the c section rather then my dog. i would like to have a vet available if she needs the c section, but i would like to see her have them natural if possible. shes at a good wight of 19 pounds and the male is 21 and iv heard that as long as the male isnt more than 5 pounds heavier that she could do fine. do you think a c section is the best way to go?

Answer
Hi Again:  It is not the weight that is a major concern for C section... The problem is with the pelvis area and the ability to dilate and deliver the pups.  They can tell by the pelvic measurements if the mom can have the pups naturally.  The Heads of Boston pups are large and odd shaped...


Here is some info from a good site on Bostons and Whelping:

http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102147565.asp

Quote<

**** in an overwhelming number of cases, the heads of Boston Terrier puppies are much too large to pass through the pelvis of the mother; the shape of their head also makes birthing difficult. If a natural birth were attempted, both the mother and puppies could lose their lives, as the puppies would get stuck at the level of the pelvic opening. In other cases, even when the puppies would be able to pass through the pelvis, the contractions of the mother Boston are just not hard enough to push her large-headed puppies the entire way out and, again, they may get stuck. The condition in which contractions are not strong enough to deliver puppies is called uterine inertia. In both of these cases, a Cesarean section must be performed to save the life of both the mother and her pups. In some cases, an emergency C-section must be performed.

While Bostons are notorious for having to deliver their pups via C-section, there are many Boston Terriers that have given birth and are able to give birth naturally. Whelping problems by no means plague every single member of the breed. Knowing the high risk and severity of whelping problems, though, many breeders schedule C-sections before the signs of any problems arise, just to be on the safe side and avoid an emergency procedure, which could be dangerous for the dogs.

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