Reproductive emergencies in the bitch: a retrospective study

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Published: Jan 31, 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.15867
Keywords:
bitch dystocia emergencies pyometra reproductive
A. MARTINS-BESSA
Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV)
L. CARDOSO
Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV)
T. COSTA
Hospital Referência Veterinária Montenegro
R. MOTA
Hospital Referência Veterinária Montenegro
A. ROCHA
Centro de Ciência Animal (CECA) and Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto
L. MONTENEGRO
Hospital Referência Veterinária Montenegro
Abstract
This study aimed at analyzing reproductive emergencies (RE) in bitches brought in to a general veterinary hospital during a 24 month-period; evaluating their clinical-epidemiological features; and assessing the results of applied therapy. RE accounted for 11.8% of all female dog emergency clinical cases. Pyometra and dystocia accounted for 56.0% and 32% of the RE, with three (Newfoundland, Siberian Husky, Chow-Chow) and nine breeds (Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Yorkshire Terrier, St. Bernard, Maltese, Chihuahua, Doberman and Boxer) found at higher risk of pyometra and dystocia, respectively. Fifty-four (96.4%) cases of pyometra were surgically managed, with a mortality of 13.0%. Primary uterine inertia (19 cases) was the main cause (59.4%) of dystocia. Medical treatment was attempted in 23 cases of dystocia (71.9%) but found to be effective in only two of them, leading to a high percentage of caesarian sections (30/32 cases, 93.8%). Both pyometra and dystocia had a high percentage of success following surgery. The use of standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols for the approach of RE allowed favorable outcomes.
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