Apgar scoring system and survival rates for newborn puppies and kittens

This study examines the physiological and behavioral responses of different breeds of cats and dogs following birth. The research included a total of 26 mothers (14 cats and 12 dogs) and their 106 offspring (41 kittens and 65 puppies). Mother cats were aged 1-3 years, and mother dogs were aged 1-4 years, with cats evaluated in 4 different breeds and dogs in 7 different breeds. Before being included in the study, the mothers and their offspring underwent detailed health examinations to assess their general health status, body weight, and the presence of any existing diseases or symptoms. The mothers were closely monitored throughout the pregnancy, and any complications during birth were recorded. The birth process, including normal birth, dystocia, and cesarean section, and the newborns were documented. The general health status of the newborns within the first 10 minutes after birth was assessed, including heart rate, respiratory rate, reflexes, activity, mucous membrane color, crying, and sucking behavior. The APGAR score for each newborn was determined within the first 10 minutes after birth. The collected data were carefully recorded and transferred to a digital database for statistical analysis. Among the kittens, 41.5% were born via cesarean section, 19.5% via dystocia, and 39% via normal birth. Among the puppies, 23.1% were born via cesarean section, 9.2% via dystocia, and 67.7% via normal birth. When evaluated according to birth method, 35.7% of the kittens born via cesarean section had low APGAR scores, 50% had moderate scores, and 14.3% had high scores. Among kittens born via dystocia, 30% had low scores, 50% had moderate scores, and 20% had high scores. For kittens born via normal birth, 10% had low scores, 35% had moderate scores, and 55% had high scores. For puppies born via cesarean section, 25% had low APGAR scores, 40% had moderate scores, and 35% had high scores. Among puppies born via dystocia, 15% had low scores, 50% had moderate scores, and 35% had high scores. For puppies born via normal birth, 5% had low scores, 25% had moderate scores, and 70% had high scores. In comparisons according to breeds in cats, no significant relationship or difference was found regarding to respiratory rates and heart rates (p>0.05). However, in dogs, significant relationships and differences were found concerning respiratory rates and heart rates in comparisons made according to breeds (p<0.01). In our study, it was observed that large breed dogs such as Dogo and Presa Canario performed more normal deliveries and their newborn puppies had higher health parameter values. In contrast, small breed dogs such as Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Maltese Terrier, and Pekingese experienced more cases of dystocia or cesarean sections, and the health parameters of their newborn puppies were found to be lower. Additionally, when interpreting the data, it was shown that there was a highly significant relationship and difference in respiratory and heart rates according to the mode of delivery for both cats and dogs (p<0.01). While no significant relationships were found between maternal age and heart rate and respiratory rate in cats (p<0.05), significant and positive relationships were found in dogs between maternal age and heart rate and respiratory rate (p>0.05). An increase in litter size in dogs was also associated with an increase in behaviors such as suckling, crying, mobility, and reflexes (p<0.01). In conclusion, normal birth positively affects the APGAR scores of newborn kittens and puppies. The APGAR scores of kittens and puppies born via normal birth are higher than those born via cesarean section or dystocia. Statistical analyses show that the birth method significantly impacts the physiological and behavioral responses of newborns.