The placenta is a temporary organ that connects the developing puppies to the mother’s uterus, providing oxygen and nutrients while removing waste. It is made up of two parts – the puppy’s portion and the mother’s portion. After each puppy is born, the mother dog must pass the placenta so that no remnants are left in the uterus, which can lead to infection or other complications. Expelling the placenta allows the uterus to contract and close off blood vessels where the placenta was attached, which is an important part of stopping post-partum bleeding. Therefore, it is vital for dog moms to pass all placentas after giving birth in order to recover safely.
Causes of Retained Placenta
There are several potential causes for a retained placenta in dogs:
Uterine Inertia: This is when the uterus fails to contract properly after birth, which prevents the expulsion of the placenta. It can be caused by calcium deficiencies, a difficult labor, or infections like mastitis.
Hormonal Imbalances: Abnormal levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone can prevent the uterus from contracting normally. This is often seen in cases of canine dystocia.
Infections: Bacterial infections in the uterus like metritis or mastitis can lead to inflammation that prevents the placenta from detaching. [1]
Trauma: Difficult births or trauma to the uterus can cause placental separation issues. Placentas may be partially separated but fail to fully detach after birth.
Anatomical Abnormalities: Defects in the uterus like cysts or scar tissue can prevent proper detaching and expulsion of the placenta.
Certain drugs and medications can also interfere with uterine contractions and lead to retained placentas.
Signs of Retained Placenta
Some of the most common signs that a dog may have a retained placenta include:
- Green, brown, or dark red vaginal discharge continuing more than a few hours after whelping, according to PetMD. This discharge may have a foul odor.
- Fever, which may signal an infection from retained tissue, according to VCA Hospitals.
- Lethargy and decreased appetite, which can occur if there is an infection or the dog feels unwell, according to VCA Hospitals.
- Vomiting, which may be a sign of infection or systemic illness related to the retained placenta, according to VCA Hospitals.
In some cases, the dog may act completely normal despite having a retained placenta. The main signs to watch for are prolonged vaginal discharge and symptoms of illness like fever, lethargy, or vomiting. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms after whelping.
Risks of Retained Placenta
A retained placenta left untreated can lead to some serious health complications for the mother dog. Here are some of the main risks and dangers of a retained placenta:
- Infection – Bacteria can quickly multiply in the trapped placenta and spread to the uterus, causing a potentially life-threatening infection called metritis or endometritis. This requires aggressive antibiotic treatment. (Source)
- Toxicity – The decaying placenta tissue releases toxins that can be absorbed into the mother dog’s bloodstream, leading to illness. This is called toxemia and can be fatal if left untreated. (Source)
- Hemorrhage – The placenta being trapped irritates the uterus and prevents it from clamping off blood vessels properly. This can cause severe blood loss and anemia. (Source)
- Infertility – Chronic infection of the uterus from a retained placenta can cause scarring that prevents future pregnancies. It can also predispose the dog to future miscarriages.
That’s why it’s critical to identify and treat a retained placenta promptly before these dangerous complications can occur.
Diagnosing Retained Placenta
To diagnose a retained placenta, the veterinarian will start by taking a full medical history of the dog and recent birthing process. They will ask questions about the pregnancy, labor, delivery of the puppies, and any complications or abnormalities.
The vet will then do a physical exam of the dog, checking her temperature, heart rate, breathing, and abdomen. They will look for a green or brown discharge coming from the vulva, which is indicative of a retained placenta. The abdomen may also feel enlarged or fluid-filled upon palpation if remnants are still inside.
Lab tests like a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis can check for infection or other problems. Vaginal cytology may also be done to look for placental cells still present.
Medical imaging like x-rays or ultrasound can provide visual confirmation of any remaining placental tissue. Ultrasound is useful for locating the exact position and amount of any retained remnants.
Treating Retained Placenta
If a dog has been diagnosed with a retained placenta, the vet will first attempt medical management to allow the placenta to detach naturally. The most common medications used are oxytocin and prostaglandins, which help induce uterine contractions to expel the placenta. Oxytocin is typically given via an injection, while prostaglandins can be given orally, via injection, or as a suppository.
According to PetMD, the usual dose for oxytocin is 5-20 units given intramuscularly. The medication should stimulate uterine contractions within 5-15 minutes. If the placenta is not expelled within 1-2 hours, the oxytocin dose can be repeated or changed to prostaglandins instead [1].
If medical management fails to induce complete expulsion of the placenta, the next step is surgical removal. This is done under general anesthesia and involves manually removing any remaining placental tissue from the uterus. According to WagWalking, surgery may be recommended sooner if the bitch is showing signs of systemic illness such as fever, lethargy, or vaginal discharge [2].
Complications from a retained placenta can include uterine infections (metritis), sepsis, and rarely uterine rupture if a large amount of decomposing placental tissue remains in the uterus. Therefore, close monitoring and quick treatment is recommended if the placenta does not detach within 12-24 hours after whelping.
Recovery Process
The recovery time for a dog after treatment for retained placenta can vary depending on the treatment method used. Here’s what to typically expect:
If the placenta was expelled naturally or with medication, your dog may recover fully within a few days. You may notice some vaginal discharge for up to 2 weeks as the uterus continues to clean itself out.
If manual removal of the placenta was required, recovery takes about 2-4 weeks for the abdominal incision to fully heal. Your dog will need to wear an E-collar to prevent licking or biting at the incision site. Activity should be restricted during recovery to prevent tearing the internal stitches. Your vet will prescribe pain medication to keep your dog comfortable.
After surgical removal of the retained placenta, you may notice discharge that starts out bloody then turns greenish in color. This is the uterus continuing to clear out any remnants of placenta or infection. If a uterine infection was present, your vet will prescribe antibiotics for your dog to take for 10-14 days.
It’s important to keep your dog’s recovery area clean and take her for follow-up vet exams to monitor healing. Call your vet if you notice any concerns like bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy or other signs of complication.
With proper treatment and rest, most dogs recover fully from retained placenta. However, your vet may recommend spaying your dog to prevent this from happening with future pregnancies.
Preventing Retained Placenta
There are some steps you can take during your dog’s pregnancy to help prevent retained placenta:
- Ensure your dog is getting proper nutrition, including high quality protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. A balanced commercial diet formulated for pregnant dogs is recommended. According to [source 1], nutritional deficiencies can predispose a dog to retained placenta.
- Have your vet monitor your dog’s pregnancy and overall health. Regular vet checkups allow early detection and treatment of any issues. Your vet may recommend supplements or medications if your dog is at higher risk for complications.
- Know the signs of pregnancy complications and contact your vet promptly if you notice any abnormalities like discharge or lack of appetite. Getting prompt treatment maximizes the chances of preventing retained placenta.
- Make sure your dog has a comfortable, clean and stress-free whelping area in the weeks before birth. Provide a whelping box with blankets where she can nest. Reducing stress is important for smooth labor.
- Record when your dog’s temperature drops, signaling labor will start soon. This allows you to be prepared to intervene if needed during the birthing process.
While there’s no way to guarantee a problem-free delivery, providing excellent care and monitoring during pregnancy can lower the odds of retained placenta in dogs.
When to See the Vet
It’s important to monitor your dog closely after giving birth and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following signs of a retained placenta:
- The placenta has not passed within 12 hours of giving birth
- A foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Depression, lethargy, lack of appetite
- Fever over 103°F
- Straining or abdominal pain
- Excessive bleeding from the vulva
A retained placenta is an emergency condition that requires swift veterinary attention. Prompt treatment is crucial, as retained tissue can quickly lead to potentially fatal uterine infections like metritis or sepsis. Call your vet right away if your dog shows any concerning signs or the placenta has not passed within 12 hours of delivery. Your vet will likely recommend immediate examination and may need to manually remove remaining placental tissue.
According to the American Kennel Club: “If [the placenta] hasn’t passed within a few hours, your vet can give you medication to help it detach and leave your dog’s body” (source). Do not try to remove the placenta yourself, as this risks injuring your dog’s uterus. Get veterinary help promptly to avoid a life-threatening emergency.
Summary
A retained placenta is when the placenta remains inside the uterus and fails to pass after whelping. This can happen due to factors like an infection, dystocia, or weakened uterine contractions. Signs include vaginal discharge, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite in the mother dog. Retained placentas can lead to uterus inflammation, sepsis, and even death if left untreated. If you suspect a retained placenta, take your dog to the vet immediately. They will perform diagnostic tests and may prescribe oxytocin or perform manual removal of tissue. Recovery involves antibiotics, fluids, and monitoring for complications. To help prevent retained placentas, ensure the mother dog is healthy and the whelping environment is clean. Closely supervise labor and contact your vet if you notice any signs of abnormal delivery. Monitor the mother dog carefully for discharge, appetite and energy levels after whelping to catch retained placentas early. With prompt treatment, dogs generally recover well from this condition.
