Neonatal Blood Lactate as a Predictor of Early Survival in Puppies Delivered by Emergency Cesarean Section

Abstract

This study evaluated blood lactate as a biomarker of neonatal viability in puppies delivered by emergency cesarean section. A total of 28 bitches and 118 neonates were assessed for weight, temperature, plasma lactate and glucose levels, and Apgar scores immediately after birth. Eighteen neonates (15.25 %) did not survive: 14 (11.86 %) were stillborn, and 4 (3.39 %) died within 30 min postpartum. A moderate negative correlation between neonatal lactate and Apgar scores (p < 0.005) indicated that higher lactate levels were associated with increased neonatal stress and reduced viability. Lactate was positively correlated with glucose (p < 0.005) and negatively correlated with body temperature at birth (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between maternal and neonatal plasma lactate, but a negative correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between neonatal lactate and maternal glucose. A lactate threshold of 9.96 mmol/L was identified, significantly associated with Apgar scores above seven at one and 5 min postpartum, suggesting improved neonatal viability. These findings support the use of neonatal blood lactate as an early marker of metabolic stress and perinatal hypoxia. However, its predictive value should be interpreted alongside other physiological parameters to optimize neonatal care.