Retained Afterbirth in Dogs

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 05/06/2016Updated: 05/29/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Retained Afterbirth in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Retained Afterbirth?

The placenta is the organ that connects the developing puppies to the mother during her pregnancy. Generally, this is expelled shortly after the pup during the third stage of the birthing process. In certain circumstances, the placenta may not get expelled, which can cause infection within the uterus which can quickly lead to infection and sepsis. This condition is seen most often in dogs with difficulties during birth, in the birthing of large litters, and in toy breeds, and should be addressed as speedily as possible to prevent further damage to the mother or the nursing pups.

The failure of a mother dog to pass all or part of one or more placentas, also known as afterbirth, during the birthing process is called a 'retained' afterbirth.

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Retained Afterbirth Average Cost

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Average Cost

$550

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Symptoms of Retained Afterbirth in Dogs

The most telling sign that there is still placenta retained in the mother is the presence of greenish or dark discharge from the vaginal canal that continues for 24 hours or more after giving birth. Unlike the normal discharges that occur after birth (lochia), the discharge from a retained placenta may have an unpleasant odor. Other symptoms may include:

  • Depression
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Neglect of Offspring

Causes of Retained Afterbirth in Dogs

Cases of retained afterbirth are uncommon in dogs. The most common conditions that would lead to retained afterbirth would be difficulties experienced during labor or a particularly large litter. As the mother dog instinctively eats the afterbirth while caring for new puppies, it may become difficult to keep track of the how many placentas were expelled, especially under stressful circumstances. Toy breeds seem to be somewhat predisposed to retaining placentas.

Diagnosis of Retained Afterbirth in Dogs

In order to make a proper diagnosis your veterinarian will start by asking for a full history of your dog’s symptoms as well as give your dog a physical evaluation. He/she will palpitate the abdominal area, paying close attention to any lumps or masses that are palpable as well as examine the vaginal opening and the birth canal. Fatigue, muscle tremors, and other signs of physical distress will also be noted and an ultrasound or X-ray will be ordered to see if there is any retained fetal or placental tissue in the uterus. Blood tests and tests on the vaginal discharge will also be indicated to ensure that any infections are caught and treated in a timely manner. Retained fetal or placental tissue can lead to metritis, a bacterial infection of the uterus. In some cases, the ultrasound or x-ray will miss the tissue and exploratory surgery is required to get a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment of Retained Afterbirth in Dogs

More often than not the treatment of otherwise healthy canines will be minimal. An injection of oxytocin or prostaglandin is often given to cause uterine contractions. This is to facilitate the ejection of the remaining afterbirth that has been trapped in the uterus. If this treatment is unsuccessful or if there is a uterine infection the surgical removal of the tissue will be required. An ovariohysterectomy may be recommended at this point to avoid future complications, particularly if additional breedings are not planned. This surgery excises both the uterus and the ovaries. Any infections remaining will be treated aggressively with antibiotics, and the full course of the antibiotic medication should be given to prevent relapse. If the infection is advanced when you contact your veterinarian your pet may be admitted to the veterinary hospital for stabilization via IV fluids and supportive care.

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Recovery of Retained Afterbirth in Dogs

As long as the mother receives timely medical intervention the prognosis for retained afterbirth is good for both the overall quality of life and for future fertility. If an infection has occurred, it is essential to make certain that your pet completes the full course of their antibiotic medication to help prevent any relapse.  Once your dog and her pups are able to come home keep them in a clean and quiet area of the home. Carefully monitor the behavior of both the adult dog and her pups for signs of pain, lethargy or unusual aggression, which may indicate that an infection has materialized.  Keep any surgical sites clean and dry and monitor them for bleeding or oozing. Make certain that the mother has plenty of ready access to highly nutritious food i.e. puppy food and clean water as producing milk takes a lot of water and a lot of energy.

Retained Afterbirth Average Cost

From 35 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,500

Average Cost

$550

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Retained Afterbirth Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Chihuahua

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One Year

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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Brownish Blood
Why is my dog having brownish bllood she gave birth on the 22 of july

July 29, 2020

Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM

4 Recommendations

Hello, there could be fluid that will still come out a few days and even a week later. If your dog does not feel good, is running a fever, not eating or drinking they should see a vet. This brown discharge may be perfectly normal.

July 30, 2020

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Pit bull

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CC

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Two Years

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3 found this helpful

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3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Increased Discharged After Whelping
Our Pit Bull gave birth last Sunday to a litter of Nine puppies. Her labor was around seven hours start to finish and to me it seemed like a fairly smooth and non- complicated process. I believe all puppies were delivered with their placentas but it all happened so fast I didn’t really pay attention like I probably should have given it was not expected for her to have them that night. She has been spotting normally just reddish color blood since having them but this morning the discharge has increased to a more mucus like consistency and slightly thicker but still the red to dark reddish blood. Doesn’t have any smell at all. Since about the second day of having the puppies after feeding them the dog gets out of the welping area and just lays on the bed next to the box but she has never really slept with the puppies after nursing them . So that’s not really a changed behavior she’s always done that . Her milk color is good and nipples nice and soft to the touch and not too firm. Puppies are eating ok . Dog doesn’t seem to have a fever or anything and she is eating and drinking just fine. I’ve pushed on her stomach and felt around and she doesn’t act like anything hurts or bothers her either. So is this just a normal stage of afterbirth discharge? Should I just monitor it for change in color or if a smell develops ?

July 3, 2018

3 Recommendations

Some brownish or bloody discharge may occur after whelping; the problem is if it is large quantities of blood, foul odour, white/yellow discharge, fever or other worrying symptoms. Keep an eye on CC for the time being but if the bleeding doesn’t stop or there are any other concerns don’t hesitate to visit your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

July 4, 2018

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Retained Afterbirth Average Cost

From 35 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,500

Average Cost

$550

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