Abortion (Miscarriage) in Dogs

  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
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An abortion (miscarriage) in a female dog is the loss of the puppies before they reach viability. The pregnancy is prematurely interrupted. A premature end to the pregnancy can occur at any time during the pregnancy. If the pregnancy ends in the early phase, it usually leads to fetal resorption. If the pregnancy ends after the 30th day of pregnancy, it is referred to as an abortion. The puppies are born dead or, in late pregnancy, partially alive but die shortly after birth. Overall, abortion is relatively rare in female dogs.

The most important facts at a glance

A miscarriage in a female dog can have many causes, including infections (e.g. Brucella canis), hormonal imbalances (progesterone deficiency) or anatomical/hereditary factors. Newer research focuses on improved diagnostics using PCR, close hormone monitoring and prevention (e.g. through hygiene measures and health checks of both parent animals before mating). If there are signs of an impending abortion, a quick veterinary examination is crucial. An online symptom checker such as petsvetcheck.de can provide initial information but does not replace clinical diagnostics. With timely and targeted therapy, the female dog can often remain successfully reproductive.

Causes

  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Genetic defects of the fetuses
  • Toxic exposure
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  1. Infectious causes
    • Bacteria:
      • Brucella canis (bacterial brucellosis) is one of the best-known causes of abortions. It is also a zoonosis (can be transmitted to humans).
      • Escherichia coli, Streptococcus species, Staphylococcus species, or other pathogens may also be involved.
    • Viral pathogens:
      • Canine Herpesvirus (CHV-1): Often responsible for neonatal deaths in puppies, but can also lead to late-term abortions.
      • Other viruses such as parvovirus (although less common than in unvaccinated female dogs) may play a role.
    • Protozoa & Parasites:
      • More rarely, e.g. Neospora caninum or toxoplasmosis (more common in cats, but also possible in dogs in rare cases).
  1. Hormonal and endocrine disorders
    • Progesterone deficiency: Progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy.
    • Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism) is discussed as a potential contributing cause.
  1. Genetic and anatomical causes
    • Congenital malformations of the uterus, e.g. deformities inside the uterus (septa, diverticula), can increase the risk of abortion.
    • Inherited anomalies of the embryos or chromosomal defects in parent animals.
  1. Environmental and management factors
    • Stress, traumatic events (accident, fall), toxic substances (pesticides, medications).
    • Inadequate nutrition, deficiencies (e.g. calcium, vitamins) can generally impair the stability of the pregnancy.
  1. Immune system and autoimmune processes
    • In rare cases, autoimmune diseases can play a role.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

The clinical signs of an abortion vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the cause:

In early abortions, the symptoms may be minimal or completely absent, as the embryos are often resorbed. The female dog may only show a brief vaginal discharge or Behavioral changes. In late abortions, the fetuses are expelled, accompanied by labor and abdominal pressing. The vaginal discharge can be serous, bloody, or purulent, depending on the cause.

Systemic symptoms such as Fever, Lethargy, inappetence, and dehydration can occur, especially in infectious causes. In the case of incomplete abortion, if parts of the placenta or fetuses remain, metritis (inflammation of the uterus) can develop, which can lead to septic shock.

Behavioral changes such as Nesting behavior, Restlessness, or excessive Licking in the genital area can be observed. After an abortion, the female dog may develop pseudolactation, in which the mammary glands swell and produce milk.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical examination and anamnesis
  • Ultrasound examination to check the condition of the pregnancy
  • Blood tests to identify infections or hormonal disorders
    • PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction) allow rapid and precise identification of infectious agents such as Brucella canis or Canine Herpesvirus.
    • Serological tests (e.g. antibody detection) are still standard to confirm infections.
  • Examination of the abortion material, if available, to determine the cause
  • High-resolution ultrasound examinations enable early detection of developmental disorders in the fetus and can provide indications of impending abortions (e.g. missing heartbeat, decrease in amniotic fluid volume).

Therapy

  • Treatment of underlying infectious causes with antibiotics or antiviral medications
  • Hormonal therapy for identified imbalances
  • Supportive care for the female dog, including fluid therapy and nutritional support
  • Detoxification measures in case of toxic exposure
  1. Hormone management
  • Current studies are evaluating approaches to administer external progesterone in case of progesterone deficiency. However, the risk of side effects (e.g. cholestasis, uterine inflammation) must be weighed.
  • Close monitoring of progesterone levels can detect impending abortions in time.
  1. Breeding hygiene and breeding management
  • Strict breeding selection and testing for genetic diseases in relevant breeds.
  • The trend towards closer cooperation between laboratories, veterinarians and breeders leads to early detection of risk factors.
  1. Multimodal treatment
  • If an abortion is imminent, veterinarians use medication (antibiotics, progesterone preparations, immunomodulators) depending on the cause.
  • There are new studies on supporting pregnancy through a combination of micronutrients (e.g. antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids) – however, the effectiveness is sometimes still the subject of research.
  1. Prevention strategies
  • Vaccination against Canine Herpesvirus is sometimes discussed in the breeding sector, although no comprehensive standard vaccination has yet been established in Germany.
  • Strict hygiene and control in breeding dogs: regular examinations for Brucella canis.
  • Precise breeding planning with prior examination of progesterone levels and health checks of both parent animals minimizes the risk of hormone-related abortions and avoidable infections.

Prognosis and follow-up care

  • The prognosis depends on the cause of the abortion and the general health of the female dog. It is generally good. The female dog often recovers without further complications. Even with a pathological background, many female dogs can have a normal pregnancy in the future with appropriate treatment and care.
  • In the case of repeated abortions (especially if they occur in late pregnancy), an intensive search should be made for underlying diseases or genetic factors.
  • After an abortion, it is important to check the uterus and general condition to prevent consequential damage (e.g. endometritis).

Prevention

The prevention of abortion in female dogs begins before mating. A thorough veterinary examination, vaccination status check and deworming are important to avoid infections. Breeding animals should be tested for hereditary diseases and hormonal disorders. Stress should be minimized during pregnancy, and the female dog should be protected from injury. Contact with infected animals, especially in the case of brucellosis or canine herpesvirus, should be strictly avoided. High-quality, pregnancy-specific nutrition and a clean, quiet environment promote a stable pregnancy. Regular ultrasound checks help to identify and counteract problems early on.

Outlook on current research

Research in the field of reproductive disorders in pets is increasingly focused on molecular and genetic factors that can lead to abortions. New diagnostic methods such as next-generation sequencing enable the identification of previously unknown pathogens and genetic defects. The development of specific immunological tests could enable earlier detection of risk factors for abortions in the future.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if my female dog is having an abortion?

Common signs are Bleeding or discharge from the vagina, sudden cessation of pregnancy signs (e.g. decrease in the mammary gland), Apathy, Fever, or inappetence. If in doubt, a veterinary examination (e.g. ultrasound) should always be carried out to determine whether an abortion is imminent or has already occurred.

2. How is an abortion diagnosed in female dogs by a veterinarian?

Usually through a combination of ultrasound (checking the vitality of the fetuses), blood tests (hormone status, infection markers) and swabs from the vagina to determine the pathogen. If necessary, an X-ray examination can also be carried out in late pregnancy to assess the puppies.

3. What are the most common causes of miscarriage in dogs?

Infectious agents (e.g. Brucella canis, Canine Herpesvirus), hormonal disorders (progesterone deficiency), stress, poor breeding hygiene, genetic defects, or anatomical anomalies of the uterus.

4. Can I prevent a miscarriage in my female dog?

Yes. Regular veterinary check-ups before and during pregnancy (including progesterone measurement, Brucella canis tests, etc.), good hygiene during mating, a balanced diet, avoiding stress and vaccinations (according to veterinary recommendations) can reduce the risk of abortion.

5. Is a female dog permanently infertile after a miscarriage?

Not necessarily. Many female dogs are successfully mated again during the next heat and carry the puppies to term after a miscarriage. However, if recurrent abortions occur, comprehensive diagnostics (e.g. hormone check, examination for uterine anomalies) should be carried out.

6. What can I do if I notice unusual discharge or Restlessness in my pregnant female dog?

Arrange for a veterinary examination immediately. A symptom checker (such as petsvetcheck.de) can provide initial information but does not replace clinical diagnostics on site. Rapid clarification is crucial in order to take action against an impending abortion in good time.

7. Can infectious agents that cause an abortion be transmitted to humans?

In the case of Brucella canis, there is a zoonotic risk (transmission to humans is possible, although rare). Other pathogens (e.g. bacterial infections) are less frequently transmissible, but consistent hygiene (wearing gloves, disinfecting surfaces) is always advisable.

8. What role does the progesterone level play in maintaining pregnancy?

Progesterone is the essential hormone that stabilizes the uterine lining and maintains pregnancy. A level that is too low (progesterone deficiency) can trigger abortions. Therefore, the hormone status is often monitored and artificially supported if necessary.

9. Is treatment always possible for an impending abortion?

That depends on the cause and the timing. In the case of infections, appropriate drug treatment (antibiotics) can help. In the case of hormonal disorders, there are approaches to progesterone supplementation. However, not every impending abortion is avoidable – the later the process is recognized, the less favorable the prognosis.

10. What is the next step after an abortion in a female dog?

Thorough veterinary aftercare is important. This includes ultrasound checks to check whether all fetal components have been excreted. It should also be clarified whether there is an underlying disease (infection, uterine problem, etc.). In some cases, a late consequence can be inflammation of the uterus (pyometra), which is why close monitoring is advisable.

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