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International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS)
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Original Research Articles Volume : 15, Issue : 10, October, 2026

PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706
Issues : 12 per year
Publisher : Excellent Publishers
Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com
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Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash
Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39
NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci.2026.15(10) : 20-28
DOI : https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1510.003


Neonatal Viability Assessment by Modified Apgar Scoring in Puppies Born after Caesarean Section under Three Anaesthetic Protocols in Bitches

Sayed Mohammadali S. Shaukatali1*, G. S. Khandekar1, D. U. Lokhande1, G. U. Yadav1, S. D. Tripathi1, S. D. Ingole2 and R. J. Chaudhari3
1Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Mumbai Veterinary College, Mumbai, India
2Department of Veterinary Physiology, Mumbai Veterinary College, Mumbai, India
3Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Mumbai Veterinary College, MumbaiMaharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur – 440 001, India
*Corresponding author
Abstract:

Canine neonates are highly vulnerable during the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, and rapid assessment of neonatal depression is important after Caesarean section. This study focused on the serial modified Apgar scores recorded in puppies delivered during a clinical study of three anaesthetic protocols in bitches undergoing emergency Caesarean section. Eighteen clinically apparently healthy pregnant bitches were allocated to three groups of six each. Group I received butorphanol–propofol induction followed by propofol constant-rate infusion (CRI); Group II received butorphanol–propofol induction followed by isoflurane; and Group III received butorphanol–propofol induction with epidural lignocaine 2% and propofol as required. Neonatal vitality was assessed using a seven-domain, 0–14 modified Apgar score incorporating mucous membrane colour, heart rate, respiratory rate, reflex irritability, mobility, suckling and vocalization. A total of 105 puppies with serial Apgar observations were represented in the analysed dataset (Group I, n=37; Group II, n=35; Group III, n=33). Mean Apgar scores increased significantly within every group from 5 to 60 min (p<0.01). At all assessment times, Group III had the highest scores, followed by Group I and Group II. Between-group differences were significant at 5, 20, 40 and 60 min (p<0.01). The 60-min mean scores were 9.48±0.18, 5.25±0.23 and 11.30±0.09 in Groups I, II and III, respectively. The findings support serial Apgar scoring as a practical bedside tool for documenting recovery of depressed puppies after Caesarean delivery. However, the seven-domain 14-point score used in the original dataset differs from contemporary five-domain 10-point canine Apgar systems; therefore, direct comparison with current published cut-offs should be made cautiously. Current RECOVER guidance also emphasizes serial assessment and clinical examination rather than using a single Apgar value as the sole trigger for resuscitation.


Keywords: Apgar score; canine neonate; puppy viability; Caesarean section; dystocia; neonatal assessment; anaesthesia; butorphanol; propofol; epidural lignocaine


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How to cite this article:

Sayed Mohammadali S. Shaukatali, Khandekar G. S., Lokhande D. U., Yadav G. U., Tripathi S. D., Ingole S. D. and Chaudhari R. J. 2026. Neonatal Viability Assessment by Modified Apgar Scoring in Puppies Born after Caesarean Section under Three Anaesthetic Protocols in Bitches Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 15(10): 20-28 doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1510.003
Copyright: This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license

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