Effect of meconium-stained amniotic fluid on hematological parameters and clinical status of term neonatal puppies.

Although the pathophysiology of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is frequently associated with fetal hypoxia, its influence on canine clinical performance and neonatal outcome remain unknown. This study aims to evaluate the influence of MSAF on hematological and clinical profile of term neonatal puppies during fetal-to-neonatal transition. Based on amniotic fluid appearance, 15 puppies born via c-section were assigned to Non-Meconium Group (Control, n = 5) and Meconium Group (n = 10). Puppies' blood samples from the umbilical cord or jugular vein were obtained at birth and after 1 h for complete blood count. Neonatal physical examination was performed at birth, 5 and 60 min of life through vitality score, rectal temperature and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). Meconium-stained puppies increased vitality earlier at 30 min, compared to 60 min of non-meconium group. Similarly, heart rate, mucous membrane color, reflex irritability and muscle tone scores increased only in meconium puppies after 30 and 60 min, while no difference occurred in Non-meconium Group. Progressive decrease in temperature occurred until 30 min only for Non-Meconium Group. All groups presented low SpO2 oxygenation at birth, but non-meconium puppies had earlier increase at 30 min. Meconium-stained puppies had higher hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and macrocytosis, while lower polychromy at 60 min compared to Non-meconium Group. Meconium-stained group showed lower lymphocyte count at birth. Only meconium-stained puppies had decrease in monocyte count during the first hour. In conclusion, MSAF cannot be directly correlated with fetal distress in dogs, nor does it inherently result in adverse clinical outcomes during fetal-to-neonatal transition.