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Can an X-ray determine if my dog needs a C-section or natural birth?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | 1 year and 4 months old

Does x-ray can confirm also if she will deliver normal or ceasarian?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2018

An x-ray is helpful for determing the size of the birth canal relative to the size of the puppy's head. If there is a known problem, then a c-section would be recommended. However, the x-ray is limited and cannot test for all the possible reasons for needing a c-section. If there is any concern, then it would be best to have a plan for a possible c-section when she is whelping. I hope that helps and all is well with Sprinkle.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 30th, 2018

    An xray close to parturition (giving birth) can show the size of the heads of the puppies and they can be compared with the size of the pelvic opening. Your veterinarian should be able to judge whether there may be trouble to be expected. This is never 100% as the pelvic opening can widen (there is a hormone called relaxin that enables the ligaments to stretch) but it is not possible to predict how much. You may want to discuss this with your veterinarian.

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