Amniotic cortisol and glucose as markers of perinatal viability of pups delivered by caesarean section

The identification of new, reliable amniotic fluid markers for evaluating neonatal maturity is crucial in canine clinical practice to optimise perinatal outcomes. The current study assessed the impact of elective caesarean section (ELCS) and emergency caesarean section (EMCS) on amniotic fluid glucose and cortisol concentrations in relation to perinatal outcomes in different breeds of dogs. Twelve high-risk pregnant bitches underwent ELCS (n 6) or EMCS (n 6), resulting in a total of 53 pups. Amniotic fluid was collected from 24 pups at delivery and analysed for glucose and cortisol. Survival at birth and neonatal mortality within 48 h were recorded. The proportion of liveborn pups was higher in ELCS (87.50) than EMCS (86.21), with stillbirth rates of 12.50 and 13.79, respectively. Live pups showed significantly higher amniotic glucose (43.81 4.68 mgdL) and lower cortisol (21.12 2.49 nML) compared to stillborn pups (25.22 2.43 mgdL glucose; 48.51 8.66 nML cortisol; p