Clinical Trial on the Usefulness of On-Site Evaluation of Canine Fetal Fluids by Reagent Test Strip in Puppies at Elective Caesarean Section

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In veterinary medicine, the availability of an easy tool for the immediate evaluation of biological fluids’ composition on site is desirable and beneficial as a first-line diagnostic instrument in many instances and in several animal species. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of reagent urinary test strips marketed for urines for the on-field evaluation of fetal fluids’ composition in newborn dogs at elective caesarean section. From surviving newborns, a collection of 113 amniotic and 107 allantoic samples was performed, and 8 amniotic and allantoic fluids were collected from non-surviving newborns. All the fetal fluids were assessed by urinary test strips within 5 min from collection. Significant differences were found for both types of fluid between surviving and non-surviving puppies, and between medium/large and small-sized puppies. Differences were also depicted between amniotic and allantoic fluids within the surviving group. These results seem to suggest that the on-site analysis of fetal fluids’ composition by reagent test strips could represent a first-line tool for the evaluation of puppies and for the quick identification of puppies requiring special monitoring and assistance. ABSTRACT: The reagent urinary test strips (TS) marketed for urines represent the first-line diagnostic tool in many instances. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of TS for the on-field evaluation of fetal fluids’ composition in newborn dogs at elective caesarean section. Of a total of 137 puppies born at term, 127 survived and 10 did not survive. One hundred and thirteen amniotic and 107 allantoic samples from surviving newborns were collected, and 8 amniotic and allantoic fluids were collected from the non-surviving newborns and assessed by strips. Significantly lower amounts of amniotic glucose and higher amounts of amniotic and allantoic nitrites, amniotic protein, allantoic urobilinogen, and amniotic bilirubin concentrations were found in non-surviving when compared to surviving newborns. In the surviving ones, higher specific gravity and bilirubin concentrations, and lower pH, were found in allantoic than in amniotic fluids. Higher amniotic and allantoic glucose concentrations, higher amniotic and allantoic pH, and lower amniotic and allantoic protein concentrations were found in medium/large- than in small-sized puppies. The TS allowed the quick evaluation of fetal fluids in puppies at birth. The differences between surviving and non-surviving puppies seem to suggest that the on-site analysis of fetal fluids’ composition by TS could represent a first-line diagnostic tool in the field of canine neonatology, allowing the quick recognition of puppies needing assistance as a complementary tool for clinical evaluation.