Incredible images reveal the moment Cosmo the Dachshund puppy is born still inside his ENTIRE amniotic sac – revealing a fascinating insight into how a dog looks in the womb
- Cosmo was born to mum Maggie in Devon with a supervising breeder
- Karis Small, 29, said the birth was perfect except for Cosmo being born ‘in caul’
- However the sac was safely removed and Cosmo is now flourishing with his mother and two siblings
A dog breeder has captured photos of the moment a Dachshund puppy was born completely encased in its amniotic sac.
This unusual event gives a glimpse at what a dog looks like in the womb.
In the striking snaps, little Cosmo’s tiny paws, tail and belly can be seen wrapped in the intact protective sac that didn’t burst when he was born, which normally happens.
The amniotic sac is filled with fluid that cushions puppies in the womb and helps the lungs, digestive system and musculoskeletal system develop.
For it to stay in tact during birth is uncommon, but not unheard of.
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In the striking snaps, pup Cosmo’s tiny paws, tail and belly (pictured) can be seen wrapped in the perfectly intact protective sac that didn’t burst as usual when he was born
Pictured: the tiny paws of the recently born puppy who was passed through the birth canal with his amniotic sac still intact
However the sac was safely removed from Cosmo after birth and he is now flourishing with his mother and two siblings (pictured, the three pups in the litter)
When there are multiple pups in the womb, each puppy has their own amniotic sac, which all contain their own placenta.
Karis Small, 29, was supervising her miniature Dachshund Maggie through her labour on February 8 when little Cosmo was born en-caul.
After quickly grabbing her phone to take a couple of photos, Karis then had to break the sac herself so the pup could start breathing.
While it was an ‘amazing’ moment, mum-of-one Karis said it could have been risky for little Cosmo had she not been on hand to help out.
But Ms Small has several years experience as a breeder and all dogs – three pups and the mother – involved in the birth survived and are thriving.
Pictured, Maggie, Cosmo’s mum who gave birth to a healthy litter of three miniature Dachshund puppies
Karis Small, 29, (pictured) was supervising her miniature Dachshund Maggie through her labour on February 8 when little Cosmo was born en-caul
Ms Small, of Newton Abbot, Devon, said: ‘It’s always such a magical experience watching as the puppies are born but it was extra special seeing Cosmo born still inside the sac.
‘Usually when a puppy is passing through the birth canal, the amniotic sac will break but this time it was perfectly intact. It was amazing.
‘I wanted to quickly get the photos because I knew this was something most people will never get to see.
‘And I wanted to show people what actually goes on being a breeder.
‘People think dogs have their puppies and then you just leave them to it but we have to be so much more involved.
‘This time I had to break the sac myself. It could have been risky if we hadn’t been there but all three puppies are doing amazingly and so is their mum.
‘The photos have brought up loads of emotions for people who’ve seen them.
‘Everyone has been saying how wonderful and fascinating they are. It’s nice to show people something they’ve never seen before.’
Maggie the miniature Dachshund made a full recovery after giving birth and her three puppies were all healthy despite Cosmo’s incredible amniotic sac situation
