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.
Das Wichtigste auf einen Blick
Retentio secundinarum, also known as retained placenta, is a condition in which the placenta is not fully 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 anomalies of the uterus. Symptoms include green-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 require antibiotics or even a surgical procedure. 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 labor. Research focuses on hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and alternative therapeutic approaches. The role of nutrition is also being studied to minimize risk. The development of new diagnostic tools could improve early detection and treatment of Retentio secundinarum, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life for affected dogs.
Ursachen
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 anomalies 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
The symptoms of retained placenta in dogs can vary, but they are often quite clear. 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 may indicate an infection caused by the retained placenta.
Another symptom can be Fever, which often occurs with 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.
Diagnose
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 labor, and any observed anomaly. A physical examination will be performed to look for signs of Fever, Pain, or abnormal discharge.
Imaging procedures such as ultrasound can be used to determine whether 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.
Therapie
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 not successful, a surgical procedure may be required to remove the remaining placenta. This procedure is usually considered a last resort, as it carries additional risks.
Prognose und Nachsorge
The prognosis for dogs with Retentio secundinarum depends on how quickly the diagnosis is made and how effective the treatment is. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is usually good. Most female dogs recover fully if the placenta is removed in time and an infection is treated effectively.
However, if the condition is not treated in time, it can lead to severe complications, including severe infections, uterine Inflammatory conditions (metritis), or even sepsis, which can be life-threatening. In such cases, the prognosis can be significantly worse.
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.
Prävention
To minimize the risk of Retentio secundinarum, female dogs should be closely monitored during pregnancy and labor. Appropriate prenatal care can help identify and treat potential problems early. It is important that the birth takes place in a clean, stress-free environment to minimize the risk of infection.
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 retained placenta in the past, prophylactic oxytocin treatment may be considered to facilitate expulsion of the placenta. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung
Retentio secundinarum, also known as retained placenta, is a condition in which the placenta or parts of it are not fully expelled after birth. While this condition has been studied more frequently in other animal species such as cattle and horses, there are fewer comprehensive studies in dogs. Nevertheless, scientific interest in retained placenta in dogs has increased in recent years, as reproduction and birth in dogs are increasingly the subject of veterinary research.
Current research projects focus on the hormonal changes that occur during labor and immediately afterward to better understand how these processes affect placental expulsion. In particular, the role of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for uterine contractions, is being intensively studied. Researchers are trying to determine whether insufficient production or effect of oxytocin could contribute to retained placenta in dogs. Initial results suggest that administering oxytocin at certain dosages could help fully expel the placenta.
Another important aspect of research is the investigation of genetic predisposition. 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 take prevention measures to reduce the risk of this condition.
With regard to treatment options, researchers are also interested in developing alternative therapeutic approaches that are less invasive than current practice. These include, among other things, herbal or homeopathic preparations that could support the contractile function of the uterus without causing the side effect of synthetic medications.
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 for early detection of Retentio secundinarum. Currently, most diagnoses are clinical, based on the Symptoms: and the dog’s behavior after birth. The development of imaging devices or biochemical tests could enable a more accurate and faster diagnosis, leading to more effective treatment.
In summary, current research on retention of fetal membranes in dogs shows a growing interest in identifying the underlying causes and developing new treatment methods. While many questions remain open, the findings to date are promising and could lead to better treatment outcomes and a higher quality of life for affected dogs in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Retentio secundinarum in dogs?
2. What symptoms occur with retained placenta?
3. How is the disease diagnosed?
4. What Treatment Options are Available?
5. Can retained placenta be prevented?
6. How common is this condition in dogs?
7. What complications can occur if the condition is not treated?
8. Do genetic factors play a role in susceptibility to Retentio secundinarum?
9. Is a special diet during pregnancy important to avoid Retentio secundinarum?
10. What should I do if I suspect my dog has retained placenta?
Literatur
- Ward, S., Razquin, P., Burns, G., & Sones, J. (2026). Common periparturient complications in female dogs. Clinical Theriogenology, 18. https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v18.12735
- Gonzales, K. (2018). Periparturient diseases in the dam. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 48(4), 663–681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.02.010
- Davidson, A. P. (2025). Periparturient problems in bitches and queens. In Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Inc. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/management-of-reproduction-dogs-and-cats/periparturient-problems-in-bitches-and-queens
- Davidson, A. P. (2025). Labor, delivery, and postpartum care in bitches and queens. In Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Inc. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/management-of-reproduction-dogs-and-cats/labor-delivery-and-postpartum-care-in-bitches-and-queens
- Grundy, S. A., & Davidson, A. P. (2004). Theriogenology question of the month: Acute metritis secondary to retained fetal membranes and a retained nonviable fetus. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 224(6), 844–847. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2004.224.844
- Bracco, C., Contri, A., & Goericke-Pesch, S. (2026). Insights into canine reproductive health: Ultrasonographic evaluation of the uterus—A review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 13, Article 1717774. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1717774
- Johnston, S. D., Root Kustritz, M. V., & Olson, P. N. S. (2001). Canine and feline theriogenology. Saunders.