There are several maladies which can affect the dog after she has given birth to her puppies. Some of the problems are more physical in nature, while others may be associated with emotional upsets/psychological blocks which can result in the bitch neglecting, even abandoning, her pups. The conditions of sickness usually centre on the womb, the breast and the mother’s general metabolism (‘metabolism’ is the process in the animal’s body by which nutritive material (food) is broken down and then transformed into living matter).
The infection of the womb (uterus) is called metritis; and the infection of the breasts is called mastitis. The disturbance in the chemical processes within the lactating mother dog usually results in an upset in the calcium regulatory mechanism. This ailment is called milk fever (quite a misnomer, because the condition is not immediately associated with a fever). Today we’ll deal with womb infection which follows the delivery of her offspring. It is scientifically named acute metritis.
Acute metritis (infected uterus)
Acute metritis is an infection which spreads upwards through the birth canal during delivery or immediately afterwards. It affects the lining of the uterus. It is most likely to occur when there is a retention of part of the placenta (the special tissue which surrounds each unborn pup while it is in the womb). Some cases are due to a retained foetus which has become mummified. Other cases of metritis are due to the contamination of the birth canal by unsterile instruments and fingers during the assistance of a difficult delivery. A difficult or prolonged labour and pre-existing vaginitis (infection of the vagina) are other predisposing causes.
Most cases of acute metritis can be anticipated and prevented by a checkup, after the dam has delivered her puppies. A veterinarian often may wish to ‘clear’ the uterus with a hormonal injection. Vaginitis should be treated as soon as it is diagnosed, preferably before heat and certainly before labour and delivery.
A dam with acute metritis quite early exhibits the following symptoms:
depression, lethargy;
she hangs her head;
inappetence (refuses to eat);
she develops a temperature of 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4-40.5 degrees Centigrade);
she may cease caring for her puppies;
she may become disinterested in keeping the ‘nest’ (the area where she is nursing and caring for her pups) clean.
Soon, the milk production decreases – even to the point of total cessation. This means that the pups will not be getting milk and will surely die, if you do not intervene. At a later date, TPC will deal with the hand-rearing of newborn pups.
There is a heavy, dark, bloody-greenish (or tomato soup-like) discharge which appears two to seven days after whelping. It should not be confused with the normal greenish discharge which disappears during the first 12 to 24 hours after delivery, or with the light reddish, discharge which lasts two to three weeks. A normal discharge is not accompanied by high fever, nor by excessive thirst, nor by other signs of toxicity such as vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Treatment: Acute metritis is a life-threatening illness. Your veterinarian should be consulted immediately to save the life of the dam. Usually puppies will have to be taken off the mother and reared by hand. She will be too sick to take care of them. Her milk may be toxic.
Next week we will continue with the discussion on ailments, specifically mastitis (an inflammatory condition of the breasts), which some mother dogs encounter after giving birth to their puppies.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
