Canine miscarriage refers to the fetuses that are no longer viable to result in a successful delivery or death of a fetus during pregnancy; for whatever reasons. This fetal death can happen at any time from conception until term, while the signs of miscarriage may differ depending on the phase at which miscarriage occurs.
A miscarriage in dogs has the same hypothesis as a miscarriage in humans but is much uncommon.
The miscarriage may occur at any time during pregnancy that is usually 63 days (around 58-68 days ) after conception. In domestic dogs, a miscarriage may also be described as spontaneous abortion, absorption of a litter of puppy, or pregnancy loss.
Sometimes in the starting stages of pregnancy, the dog spontaneously absorbs fetal, placental tissue from the uterus and there will be no sign that puppies existed– they simply disappear. Pregnancy loss earlier than 21 days is really hard to substantiate for dog owners to detect and may make them wonder if the puppies were ever there, to begin with.
If the dog does not absorb her puppies, she may expel them via the birth canal leading to a lot of bleeding and a reduction in the size of the abdomen. Despite that, she may lick and eat away the proof of the miscarriage, leaving owners none the wiser.
Symptoms Of Miscarriage
Treatment Options For Miscarriage
Veterinarian will diagnose the spontaneous abortion and how it has happened. When the miscarriage is due to bacteria or a parasite, they offer a variety of options for medical treatment.
After a miscarriage, if there is vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge, vets will provide medications to stop that.
Pet owners must cautiously watch the actions of their dog to make sure no serious problems develop as a result.
Home Remedies For Miscarriage
A dog that had a miscarriage can get to its old self without medical management.
Following the miscarriage, limit her activity during the first few days
Make sure that she has access to a quiet, comfortable place where she can rest and provided fresh water as well as proper food.
Prevention Of Miscarriage
Fever during pregnancy indicates an infection and they can be treated with injectable antibiotics and intravenous (IV) fluids.
Progesterone supplement for hormonal imbalances may be recommended. This medication helps to maintain appropriate hormone levels to support pregnancy and can be given until the expected due date. However, careful monitoring is required in order to prevent complications.
Check your dog on a regular basis and consult your veterinarian immediately if you find any odd weight loss, Diarrhea etc.
Affected Breeds Of Miscarriage
Female Dogs
Additional Facts For Miscarriage
Causes:
Causes of miscarriage in dogs are 2 types: Infectious and non-infectious
1. Infectious causes:
- Canis– Canine brucellosis
- Usually occur among kenneled dogs
- Fetal resorption and Early embryonic death can occur within 10 – 20 days
- Prolonged vaginal discharge, inflammation of the eye (uveitis), and arthritis (spondylitis)
- Bacteremia- bacteria in the bloodstream for up to 18 months after miscarriage
- Ehrlichia canisand Anaplasma platys
- Thrombocytopenia and anemic dogs miscarriage
- Escherichia coli
- Endotoxin produced by E coli that result in pregnancy loss
- Streptococcus
- They cause ascending infections - pyometra, metritis, placentitis, and abortion.
- Dogs have a high bacterial load in the vaginal canal leading to infection of fetus resulting in neonatal death
Protozoal diseases
- Neospora Caninum :
- The dog typically gets infected due to contaminated water, food, feces, or animal flesh
- The parasite gets into the female dog’s bloodstream and passes through the placenta into the fetus causing miscarriage
- Toxoplasma gondii
- Transplacental transmission In Toxoplasmosis causing a miscarriage is demonstrated.
Viral diseases
- Canine herpesvirus 1 (CHV‐1)
- Canine herpes is a systemic, hemorrhagic disease
- This can cause abortion and fetal and neonatal deaths
- Canine Parvovirus‐1
- Subclinical infection in dogs can cause fetal death or abortion.
- Other viral diseases
- Canine distemper, canine adenovirus‐1, and Bluetongue (BTV) cause neonatal deaths
Fungal infection:
Mycotic Abortion – Excessive bleeding in the uterus leads to an aborted fetus.
2. Non-infectious causes
- Endocrine disorders, such as Cushing's disease.
- Genetic defects.
- Nutritional deficiencies.
- Low progesterone levels.
- Fetal defects.
- Response to a certain medication.
Diagnosis:
- Complete blood profile and urinalysis
- Cultures of vaginal fluids
- Histopathology
- X-rays and ultrasounds
Mortality:
Usually, miscarriage results in fetal death but do not result in the death of the mother dog. Sometimes, the mother dog may die if it is so weak or due to internal bleeding.
Prognosis:
Prognosis is good after miscarriage treatment. The treatment is the dog needs just extra attention from your side while she recovers from her miscarriage. Most dogs may be depressed for a while after the loss of their litter, but given time and rest, they should recover and return to their old self.
When To See A Vet
Contact your vet right away, if you notice any of the following:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge/ Unpleasant smell
- Abdominal pain
Food Suggestions For Miscarriage
- High-quality protein (seafood, meat, dairy or eggs)
- Add a couple spoonful of salmon, tuna, mackeral, anchovies or another fish product to your dog’s food.
- Leafy greens (Spinach, Kale, lettuce)
- Broth or stock of boiled chicken bones
- Antioxidants- blueberries, strawberries
- Raw liver or liquefied chicken with a little broth( or use beef or lamb bones)
Conclusion
The outcome varies depending to the cause of the miscarriage, while most dogs will get well to conceive again in the future, with the exception being for dogs that have developed severe uterine infection or brucellosis.
