Retained Placenta in Dogs (Retentio Secundinarum)
- Occurrence: common
- Location of disease: Abdomen/pelvis
When to visit the vet?
Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Definition
Retentio secundinarum, also known as placental retention, is a condition in dogs where the placenta or parts of it are not expelled after the birth of a puppy. This can lead to severe health complications if not treated promptly.
The most important facts at a glance
Retentio secundinarum, also called placental retention, is a condition in which the placenta is not completely expelled after birth. In dogs, the placenta should normally be expelled within 15 minutes after the birth of each puppy. Causes can include insufficient uterine contractions, hormonal imbalances, or structural abnormalities of the uterus. Symptoms include greenish-black vaginal discharge, Fever, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis is made through clinical examinations, ultrasound, and blood tests to detect infections or Inflammatory conditions. Treatment varies depending on severity; mild cases can be treated with oxytocin, while more severe cases may require antibiotics or even surgical intervention. The prognosis is good with early diagnosis and treatment, but untreated cases can lead to severe complications. For prevention, female dogs should be closely monitored during pregnancy and birth. Research focuses on hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and alternative therapeutic approaches. The role of nutrition is also being investigated to minimize the risk. The development of new diagnostic tools could improve early detection and treatment of Retentio secundinarum, potentially leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life for affected dogs.
Causes
The birthing phase in dogs is typically divided into three stages: the dilation stage, the expulsion stage, and the placental stage. During the placental stage, the placenta, which supplied the puppy with nutrients during pregnancy, is expelled. Normally, this occurs within 15 minutes after the birth of each puppy. Placental retention can occur if the female dog’s body cannot effectively expel the placenta.
One of the main causes of Retentio secundinarum in dogs is insufficient uterine contractions, which can prevent the placenta from being fully expelled. These inadequate contractions can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances or a general weakness of the uterine musculature.
Further causes may include structural abnormalities of the uterus, infections, or Inflammatory conditions. Incomplete separation of the placenta from the uterine wall can also play a role. Sometimes, the placenta can also be retained due to mechanical blockages, such as a large litter that overstretches the uterus.
Symptoms
- Discharge from the Vagina (Vaginal Discharge)
- Persistent Vaginal Discharge >18 Hours Postpartum
- Fever
- Reduced appetite or loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Lethargy
- Coma
- Septic shock
- Cardiovascular Collapse
- Bauchschmerzen
- Ausfluss Aus Der Scheide (Vaginaler Ausfluss) Unregelmäßig Auftretend
- Purulent-bloody Vaginal Discharge
The symptoms of placental retention in dogs can vary but are often quite distinct. A common sign is the appearance of greenish or foul-smelling discharge from the female dog’s vagina a few hours to days after birth. This can indicate an infection caused by the retained placenta.
Another symptom can be Fever, often accompanied by a bacterial infection. The female dog may also show signs of Pain or discomfort, including restlessness, trembling, or even loss of appetite. In some cases, abdominal swelling may occur if fluid or pus accumulates in the uterus.
Another serious symptom that can occur is general lethargy or weakness, indicating that the female dog may be suffering from a systemic infection. In severe cases, septic shock can occur, which can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Retentio secundinarum usually begins with a thorough clinical examination of the female dog. The veterinarian will take a detailed medical history, including the number of puppies born, the duration of birth, and any observed abnormalities. A physical examination will be performed to identify signs of Fever, Pain, or abnormal discharge.
Imaging techniques such as ultrasound can be used to determine if placental remnants are present in the uterus. An ultrasound can help examine the uterus for remaining placental tissue or fluid accumulation.
Additionally, blood tests may be performed to detect signs of an infection or inflammation. A complete blood count may show elevated white blood cells, indicating an infection. In some cases, a bacterial culture of the vaginal discharge may be performed to identify the exact type of infection.
Therapy
The treatment of Retentio secundinarum depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, medical treatment with oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions, may be sufficient to expel the placenta. Oxytocin is usually administered by injection and can help stimulate the uterus to expel remaining placental tissue.
In more severe cases, especially if an infection is present, it may be necessary to administer antibiotics to combat the infection. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type of infection, which can be identified by a bacterial culture. Pain medication may also be prescribed to alleviate the female dog’s discomfort.
In extreme cases or if other treatments are unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the remaining placenta. This procedure is generally considered a last resort, as it carries additional risks.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for dogs with Retentio secundinarum depends on the speed of diagnosis and the effectiveness of the treatment. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good. Most female dogs recover completely if the placenta is removed promptly and an infection is effectively treated.
However, if the condition is not treated in time, it can lead to severe complications, including severe infections, uterine inflammation (metritis), or even sepsis, which can be life-threatening. In such cases, the prognosis can be significantly less favorable.
Long-term fertility problems may also occur, especially if the uterus has been damaged by an infection or surgical procedure. It is important to carefully monitor the female dog during the recovery phase and ensure she receives all the support she needs.
Prevention
To minimize the risk of Retentio secundinarum, female dogs should be closely monitored during pregnancy and birth. Adequate prenatal care can help detect and treat potential problems early. It is important that birth takes place in a clean and stress-free environment to minimize the risk of infections.
After birth, the female dog and her puppies should be regularly examined by a veterinarian to ensure that all placentas have been expelled and there are no signs of infection. The veterinarian can also provide recommendations for the female dog’s nutrition and care to support her recovery.
In female dogs that have had problems with placental retention in the past, prophylactic treatment with oxytocin may be considered to facilitate the expulsion of the placenta. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Outlook on current research
Retentio secundinarum, also known as placental retention, is a condition in which the placenta or parts of it are not completely expelled by the mother after birth. While this condition has been more extensively studied in other animal species, such as cattle and horses, there are fewer comprehensive studies in dogs. Nevertheless, scientific interest in placental retention in dogs has increased in recent years, as canine reproduction and birth are increasingly subjects of veterinary research.
Current research projects focus on the hormonal changes that occur during and immediately after birth to better understand how these processes affect placental expulsion. In particular, the role of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for uterine contractions, is being intensively investigated in research. Researchers are trying to find out whether insufficient production or effect of oxytocin could contribute to placental retention in dogs. Initial results suggest that administering oxytocin in specific dosages could help to completely expel the placenta.
Another important aspect of research is the investigation of genetic predispositions. Some dog breeds appear to be more susceptible to Retentio secundinarum, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role. Studies identifying genetic markers could help warn breeders and veterinarians in the future and enable prevention measures to reduce the risk of this condition.
Regarding treatment options, researchers are also interested in developing alternative therapeutic approaches that are less invasive than current practice. These include, for example, herbal or homeopathic preparations that could support the contractile function of the uterus without causing the side effects of synthetic drugs.
The role of nutrition is also being investigated in current research. Some studies suggest that certain nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy could increase the likelihood of placental retention. Researchers are working to develop specific nutritional plans that reduce the risk of such complications.
Another promising area of research is the development of diagnostic tools that enable early detection of Retentio secundinarum. Currently, most diagnoses are clinical, based on the dog’s symptoms and behavior after birth. The development of imaging devices or biochemical tests could enable more accurate and faster diagnosis, leading to more effective treatment.
In summary, current research on Retentio secundinarum in dogs shows a growing interest in identifying the underlying causes and developing new treatment methods. While many questions remain unanswered, the findings so far are promising and could lead to better treatment outcomes and a higher quality of life for affected dogs in the future.