Expert: Christine Puetz - 3/25/2009

Question
Ww have been waiting for our english bulldog to be born and now he has been, but while at the vet the momma dog died of heart failure. and one of the pups died after. I know bulldogs are known for some heart problems,but im wondering since the mom died due to heart failure, is it more likely that the pups would have this problem too? Or would it be the same odds if she hadnt died?

Answer
Jennifer,

Sorry to hear of your loss.

I think it is more probable that your bulldog died because of the surgery and anesthesia.  That doesn't mean that anything was done wrong, but sometimes it happens.

And it is not uncommon to lose a puppy after a c-sect. It probably had nothing to do with heart problems.

So, I don't think your other puppies are at risk of having heart problems.

Of course, it is really hard to raise puppies by hand.  If you lose any of them, again I would say it is not because of heart problems.

Christine Puetz