An abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. (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 abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced.. The puppies are born dead or, in late pregnancy, partially alive but die shortly after birth. Overall, abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. 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 deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones.) or anatomical/hereditary factors. Newer research focuses on improved diagnostics using PCR, close hormoneHormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream to affect specific cells or organs in the body. They regulate numerous bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. monitoring and preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. (e.g. through hygiene measures and health checks of both parent animals before mating). If there are signs of an impending abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced., a quick veterinary examination is crucial. An online symptom checker such as petsvetcheck.de can provide initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. information but does not replace clinical diagnostics. With timely and targeted therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., the female dog can often remain successfully reproductive.
Causes
- Bacterial or viralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases. infections
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetic defects of the fetuses
- ToxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats.
- Nutritional deficiencies
- InfectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. causes
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- BacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease.:
- Brucella canis (bacterial brucellosis) is one of the best-known causes of abortions. It is also a zoonosisA zoonosis is a disease or infection that can be naturally transmitted from animals to humans. Examples include rabies, Lyme disease, and avian influenza. (can be transmitted to humans).
- Escherichia coli, Streptococcus species, Staphylococcus species, or other pathogens may also be involved.
- ViralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases. pathogens:
- Canine Herpesvirus (CHV-1): Often responsible for neonatalNeonatal refers to the newborn period, the first few weeks after birth in dogs and cats. During this time, newborns are particularly susceptible to health problems and require special care. 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).
- BacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease.:
- Hormonal and endocrine disorders
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- Progesterone deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones.: Progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy.
- Thyroid dysfunctionDysfunction refers to an impaired or abnormal function of an organ or system in the body. This can be due to diseases, disorders, or damage and can affect the quality of life. (hypothyroidism) is discussed as a potential contributing cause.
- Genetic and anatomical causes
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- CongenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. malformations of the uterusThe uterus, also known as the womb, is a female reproductive organ in which the fetus grows and develops during pregnancy. It consists of muscle tissue and is lined with a mucous membrane., e.g. deformities inside the uterusThe uterus, also known as the womb, is a female reproductive organ in which the fetus grows and develops during pregnancy. It consists of muscle tissue and is lined with a mucous membrane. (septa, diverticula), can increase the risk of abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced..
- Inherited anomalies of the embryos or chromosomal defects in parent animals.
- Environmental and management factors
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- StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being., traumatic events (accident, fall), toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances (pesticidesPesticides are chemical or biological substances used to control pests, including insects, weeds, and fungi. In dogs and cats, exposure to certain pesticides can be harmful to health and lead to signs of poisoning., medications).
- Inadequate nutrition, deficiencies (e.g. calciumCalcium is a mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in blood coagulation, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction., vitamins) can generally impair the stability of the pregnancy.
- Immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. and autoimmune processes
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- In rare cases, autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. can play a role.
Symptoms
The clinical signs of an abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. 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 vaginalVaginal refers to anything related to the vagina, the muscular tube that connects the external genitalia in female mammals to the uterus. discharge or Behavioral changes. In late abortions, the fetuses are expelled, accompanied by labor and abdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pressing. The vaginalVaginal refers to anything related to the vagina, the muscular tube that connects the external genitalia in female mammals to the uterus. discharge can be serous, bloody, or purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness., depending on the cause.
Systemic symptoms such as Fever, Lethargy, inappetence, and dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse. can occur, especially in infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. causes. In the case of incomplete abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced., if parts of the placentaThe placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients via the umbilical cord. It also serves as a barrier to some infectious agents. or fetuses remain, metritis (inflammation of the uterusThe uterus, also known as the womb, is a female reproductive organ in which the fetus grows and develops during pregnancy. It consists of muscle tissue and is lined with a mucous membrane.) can develop, which can lead to septicSeptic refers to an infection or condition characterized by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the blood or other tissues, often associated with a systemic inflammatory response. shock.
Behavioral changes such as Nesting behavior, Restlessness, or excessive Licking in the genital area can be observed. After an abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced., the female dog may develop pseudolactation, in which the mammary glands swell and produce milk.
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination and anamnesis
- UltrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. 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 infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. agents such as Brucella canis or CanineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. Herpesvirus.
- Serological tests (e.g. antibodyAn antibody is a protein produced by the immune system to recognize and bind specific antigens. By binding to the antigen, antibodies can help destroy or neutralize it. detection) are still standard to confirm infections.
- Examination of the abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. material, if available, to determine the cause
- High-resolution ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. examinations enable early detection of developmental disorders in the fetusThe fetus is a developmental stage of a mammal in the womb that follows after it has passed through the embryonic phase. In humans, the term fetus is used from the 9th week of pregnancy until birth. and can provide indications of impending abortions (e.g. missing heartbeat, decrease in amniotic fluid volume).
Therapy
- Treatment of underlying infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. causes with antibiotics or antiviral medications
- Hormonal therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. for identified imbalances
- SupportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. care for the female dog, including fluid therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and nutritional support
- Detoxification measures in case of toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats.
- HormoneHormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream to affect specific cells or organs in the body. They regulate numerous bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. management
- Current studies are evaluating approaches to administer external progesterone in case of progesterone deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones.. 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.
- Breeding hygiene and breeding management
- Strict breeding selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. 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.
- Multimodal treatment
- If an abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. is imminent, veterinarians use medication (antibiotics, progesterone preparations, immunomodulatorsImmunomodulators are substances that affect the immune system by increasing or decreasing its activity. They are used in dogs and cats to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, or as cancer therapy.) 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.
- PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. strategies
- VaccinationVaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. It is one of the most effective methods of prevention of infectious diseases. against CanineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. Herpesvirus is sometimes discussed in the breeding sector, although no comprehensive standard vaccinationVaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. It is one of the most effective methods of prevention of infectious diseases. 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 prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on the cause of the abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. and the general health of the female dog. It is generally good. The female dog often recovers without further complications. Even with a pathologicalPathological refers to anything related to diseases or their processes. Pathological changes are those that deviate from the normal structure or function and indicate a disease. 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 abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced., it is important to check the uterusThe uterus, also known as the womb, is a female reproductive organ in which the fetus grows and develops during pregnancy. It consists of muscle tissue and is lined with a mucous membrane. and general condition to prevent consequential damage (e.g. endometritis).
Prevention
The preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. in female dogs begins before mating. A thorough veterinary examination, vaccinationVaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. It is one of the most effective methods of prevention of infectious diseases. status check and deworming are important to avoid infections. Breeding animals should be tested for hereditary diseases and hormonal disorders. StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. 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 canineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. herpesvirus, should be strictly avoided. High-quality, pregnancy-specific nutrition and a clean, quiet environment promote a stable pregnancy. Regular ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. 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 abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced.?
Common signs are Bleeding or discharge from the vagina, sudden cessation of pregnancy signs (e.g. decrease in the mammary gland), ApathyApathy refers to a state of indifference and reduced interest or lack of emotional involvement in activities or events that would normally arouse interest., Fever, or inappetence. If in doubt, a veterinary examination (e.g. ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow.) should always be carried out to determine whether an abortion is imminent or has already occurred.
2. How is an abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. diagnosed in female dogs by a veterinarian?
Usually through a combination of ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. (checking the vitality of the fetuses), blood tests (hormoneHormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream to affect specific cells or organs in the body. They regulate numerous bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. status, infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. markers) and swabs from the vagina to determine the pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.. If necessary, an X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. examination can also be carried out in late pregnancy to assess the puppies.
3. What are the most common causes of miscarriage in dogs?
InfectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. agents (e.g. Brucella canis, CanineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. Herpesvirus), hormonal disorders (progesterone deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones.), stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being., poor breeding hygiene, genetic defects, or anatomical anomalies of the uterusThe uterus, also known as the womb, is a female reproductive organ in which the fetus grows and develops during pregnancy. It consists of muscle tissue and is lined with a mucous membrane..
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 stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and vaccinations (according to veterinary recommendations) can reduce the risk of abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced..
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 recurrentRecurrent refers to a disease that repeatedly returns or worsens after a temporary remission or improvement. abortions occur, comprehensive diagnostics (e.g. hormoneHormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream to affect specific cells or organs in the body. They regulate numerous bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. 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 initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. information but does not replace clinical diagnostics on site. Rapid clarification is crucial in order to take action against an impending abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. in good time.
7. Can infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. agents that cause an abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. 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 hormoneHormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream to affect specific cells or organs in the body. They regulate numerous bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. that stabilizes the uterine lining and maintains pregnancy. A level that is too low (progesterone deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones.) can triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. abortions. Therefore, the hormoneHormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream to affect specific cells or organs in the body. They regulate numerous bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. status is often monitored and artificially supported if necessary.
9. Is treatment always possible for an impending abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced.?
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 supplementationSupplementation is the addition of nutrients, vitamins, or other substances to a normal diet to compensate for deficiencies or to support general health and well-being. In dogs and cats, supplementation may vary depending on their health condition and nutritional needs.. However, not every impending abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. is avoidable – the later the process is recognized, the less favorable the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop..
10. What is the next step after an abortionabortion refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the viability of the fetus, i.e. before it could survive outside the womb. This can be caused naturally by various factors or be medically induced. in a female dog?
Thorough veterinary aftercare is important. This includes ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. checks to check whether all fetal components have been excreted. It should also be clarified whether there is an underlying disease (infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., uterine problem, etc.). In some cases, a late consequence can be inflammation of the uterusThe uterus, also known as the womb, is a female reproductive organ in which the fetus grows and develops during pregnancy. It consists of muscle tissue and is lined with a mucous membrane. (pyometra), which is why close monitoring is advisable.