ABSTRACT
Assisted breeding techniques, such as artificial insemination and caesarean section, are becoming more common in dogs. This increased demand has been associated with the increased popularity of some brachycephalic dog breeds. Reliance on assisted breeding raises welfare and ethical issues for some brachycephalic breeds. Some brachycephalic dog breeds are predisposed to increased true or perceived dystocia risk, with caesarean section rates reported in excess of 80% for some breeds. Elective pre-parturient caesarean section is now common in many brachycephalic dog breeds. Optimal timing of this intervention is critical for neonatal survival. Brachycephalic neonates should be assessed soon after birth; canine Apgar scoring is discussed as a useful framework. Brachycephalic cat types have higher dystocia levels than mesocephalic cats. Some cat brachycephalic breeds of cat have high reported stillbirth rates. This chapter discusses reproduction principles with special relevance for brachycephalic companion animals, including fertility, gestation, birth and postnatal care. Managing breeding in brachycephalic companion animals can be both clinically and professionally challenging for veterinary teams, and also high stakes for owners of much-loved pets or valuable genetic lines.
