A retained placenta (retained fetal membranes) is placental tissue that stays in the uterus after the bitch has finished whelping. Most retained placentas in dogs pass on their own, and many cause no trouble, but retained tissue can feed a postpartum uterine infection (metritis). The skill the NAVLE tests is telling normal postpartum discharge apart from metritis, subinvolution of placental sites and a retained puppy, then choosing the right uterotonic for the time since whelping.
Key facts
Retained placenta (retained fetal membranes) at a glance- Species and system: bitch (also queen); reproductive system, postpartum period.
- Cause: failure of one or more placentas to pass after delivery, often linked with dystocia or obstetric manipulation.
- How it matters: retention alone does not commonly cause metritis, but fetal or placental retention is a recognised metritis risk factor.
- Classic presentation: fewer placentas counted than puppies born; if infection follows, a sick, febrile bitch with a fetid, increasing discharge who neglects her puppies.
- Normal comparison (Merck): lochia is green at first, then red-brown, odourless and decreasing over about 3 to 4 weeks.
- Treatment: oxytocin if within 24 hours of the onset of labour, otherwise PGF2-alpha; nursling-safe antimicrobials and supportive care if she is ill.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 4 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 18 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.