canis - Articles
Retention of fetal membranes and fetus
Synonym(s): Retained placenta / fetus
Introduction
- Cause: failure of expulsion of fetal membranes during third stage of labor. Fetal membranes usually follows birth of each puppy but several may be expelled at once because puppies may be born from one horn before some fetal membranes have left the contralateral horn.
- Unusual problem, but true prevalence unknown.
- Suspect if there is a copious, dark greenish vulvar discharge 24 h post-partum.
- Most bitches do well despite retention of one or more fetal membranes; some affected bitches, however, will need treatment to prevent toxemia, metritis and death.
- Treatment: antibiotics, ecbolics (oxytocin, PGF2alpha).
- Conservative management usually successful.
- Hysterectomy essential if conservative management fails.
- Occasionally dead fetus retained as well.
- Prognosis: good for life and future fertility.
Presenting signs
- Bitch is usually normal.
- Dark green vulvar discharge beyond 24 h post-partum.
- If several days post-partum - systemically debilitated, febrile, toxemic and have a foul smelling vulvar discharge.
Age predisposition
Breed/Species predisposition
- Anecdotally, toy breeds over-represented.
Cost considerations
- If Caesarean section is required Cesarean section.
- Usually treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, ecbolics; hospitalization to provide intensive care is needed in some cases.
Special risks
- Acute, metritis causing systemic debility, septicemia, toxemia and even death.
Pathogenesis
Pathophysiology
- Little is known of the pathogenesis in dogs.
- May be an association with large litters ( → prolonged parturition → secondary uterine inertia); or fetal oversize (single puppy → dystocia Dystocia → secondary uterine inertia).
- Hypocalcemia Hypocalcemia could predispose to condition because of relative uterine inertia.
- Metritis may rapidly ensue → toxemia.
Timecourse
- Diagnosed and resolved within the first week after whelping.
Epidemiology
- Unknown.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Grundy S A, Davidson A P (2004) Theriogenology question of the month. Acute metritis secondary to retained fetal membranes and a retained nonviable fetus. JAVMA 224 (6), 844-847 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Johnston S D, Root-Kustriz M V, Olson P N S (2001)Canine and Feline Theriogenology.Philadelphia, W B Saunders Co.