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Basics ⬇

Basics

Overview

  • Dogs-placenta retained beyond the immediate postpartum period; placentas usually passed within 15 minutes of birth of a puppy; may develop acute metritis secondary to retained placenta.
  • Cats-may retain placentas for days without signs of illness.
  • Extremely uncommon.

Signalment

  • Dog-rare, most common in toy dog breeds
  • Cat-rare

Signs

Historical Findings

  • Recent parturition.
  • Continued vulvar discharge of lochia.
  • Owner may note number of placentas passed, although this information is frequently unreliable.

Physical Examination Findings

  • Green lochia vulvar discharge
  • Palpation of firm mass in uterus-not always possible
  • Concurrent clinical signs of postpartum metritis

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Toy breed
  • Large litter size
  • Dystocia

Diagnosis ⬆ ⬇

Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

  • Postpartum metritis-physical examination and vaginal cytologic examination show no signs of infection with uncomplicated retained placenta; metritis may develop concurrently.
  • Retained fetus-differentiated by radiography or ultrasonography.

CBC/Biochemistry/Urinalysis

Usually normal when uncomplicated

Other Laboratory Tests

Vaginal cytologic examination-parabasal epithelial cells; may note erythrocytes; biliverdin clumps.

Imaging

Ultrasonography-echogenic but non-fetal mass within the uterus.

Diagnostic Procedures

Celiotomy or hysterotomy-may be required for diagnosis.

Treatment ⬆ ⬇

Treatment

Medications ⬆ ⬇

Medications

Drug(s)

  • Oxytocin-known or suspected condition in otherwise healthy cats and dogs; dogs, 0.5 IU/kg IM up to 5 IU; cats, 0.5–1 IU IM. Oxytocin may be ineffective after 48 hours postpartum.
  • May precede oxytocin treatment with calcium gluconate (10%); dogs and cats, 0.5–1.5 mL/kg IV slow over 15 minutes; monitor for arrhythmia during injection.
  • Metritis-treat accordingly (see Metritis).

Contraindications/Possible Interactions

Do not give progestational drugs.

Follow-Up ⬆ ⬇

Follow-Up

Miscellaneous ⬆

Miscellaneous

See Also

Metritis

Suggested Reading

Feldman EC, Nelson RW. Periparturient diseases. In: Feldman EC, Nelson RW, eds., Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2004, pp. 808–834.

Grundy SG, Davidson AP. Theriogenology question of the month. Acute metritis secondary to retained fetal membranes and a retained nonviable fetus. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004, 224(6):844–847.

Author Joni L. Freshman

Consulting Editor Sara K. Lyle