Vitalidade do cachorro ao parto e a sua associação à mortalidade neonatal

Abstract

This dissertation is focused on canine neonatology. In the first part of this document, the importance of prenatal care in eutocic delivery and the care to be given to newborn puppies are discussed. Finally, some particularities and most common problems found in newborns are mentioned.

In the second part, a short study developed during the curricular traineeship is presented. It aimed to assess puppies’ vitality using the Apgar scale and its association with the type of care required during hospitalization after birth and neonatal mortality.

Thus, it was possible to confirm that, in practice, the Apgar score is an easy and simple method that proved useful in identifying those dogs that needed more care and attention during hospitalization.