Abortion

An abortion – usually called a miscarriage in everyday language – means that a pregnant female dog loses its foetuses before the end of the normal gestation period. This can happen early, then it is referred to as an early abortion, or only towards the end of pregnancy in the so-called late abortion. The causes range from natural processes to external influences. Insidious: many miscarriages go completely unnoticed – others, however, become apparent with clear signs.

Causes of Abortion in Dogs

The possible triggers are diverse. Broadly speaking, they can be classified into infectious, hormonal, genetic and environmental causes:

Infections

• Bacterial infections: Diseases such as Brucellosis (Brucella canis) or Leptospirosis directly attack the reproductive system and can seriously damage the foetuses – with a miscarriage as a possible consequence.
• Viral infections: The Canine Herpesvirus or Parvovirus infection can damage the placenta and foetuses, thereby triggering the loss of pregnancy.
• Parasitic infections: Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis are also suspected of disrupting foetal development and triggering an abortion.

Hormonal Disorders

• Progesterone maintains the pregnancy. If the level drops too sharply – especially in the second half – normal foetal development may stall and a miscarriage may be the result.

Genetic Defects

• Sometimes the problem lies with the foetuses themselves: genetic anomalies can prevent development from succeeding – the female dog’s body then reacts with a spontaneous abortion.

Trauma or severe stress

• Severe injuries, falls, or prolonged extreme stress place a significant burden on a pregnant female dog. Excessive physical activity or poor housing conditions can also endanger the pregnancy.

Nutritional deficiencies

• If important nutrients – such as folic acid, calcium, or other vitamins and minerals – are lacking, foetal development can be impaired. Consistently inadequate nutrition is therefore a serious risk factor.

Poisoning and unsuitable medications

• Toxic substances and medications that are not suitable for pregnant female dogs can disrupt foetal development and increase the likelihood of a miscarriage. Which preparations are prohibited during pregnancy should always be discussed with the vet.

Uterine diseases

• Inflammations of the uterus such as endometritis or pyometra, but also structural abnormalities, can also lead to an abortion.

Symptoms of an abortion in dogs

What is visible – or precisely not visible – depends heavily on when during the pregnancy the abortion occurs. An overview of the most common signs:

• Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding is considered one of the clearest warning signs. It can range from mild and intermittent to more severe.
• Passage of tissue or foetuses: Sometimes the female dog expels dead foetal tissue or already complete foetuses – a clear sign of a miscarriage.
• Behavioural changes: Lethargy, restlessness, signs of pain, or visible discomfort may occur because the abortion is physically very taxing.
• Fever and general signs of illness: If an infection is the cause, fever, loss of appetite, or vomiting may be added.
• Reduced abdominal circumference: If the foetuses have died in an advanced stage of pregnancy, the female dog’s belly may suddenly appear smaller – a finding that often confuses owners.
• Sudden disappearance of pregnancy signs: If typical signs such as reduced appetite or decreased activity are no longer observable from one day to the next, this can indicate an abortion.

Diagnosis of an abortion in dogs

To establish a confirmed diagnosis, the vet uses various examination methods:

1. Clinical examination: First, a thorough physical examination is carried out, paying attention to bleeding, fever, and other physical symptoms.
2. Ultrasound: Ultrasound allows the condition of the foetuses to be assessed – whether they are still viable or not.
3. Blood tests: Laboratory values can reveal infections or hormonal imbalances that may be the cause.
4. Swabs and cultures: Vaginal swabs and microbiological cultures clarify whether a bacterial or viral infection is present.

Treatment of an abortion in dogs

What is therapeutically sensible depends entirely on what triggered the abortion. Initially, stabilising the female dog is always the priority:

• Treatment of infections: If a bacterial or viral infection is confirmed, antibiotics or antiviral agents are used to combat the infection.
• Hormonal treatment: If there is a progesterone deficiency, hormonal treatment can support the pregnancy. More often, however, it is used preventatively before renewed breeding use to avoid future miscarriages.
• Surgical interventions: In cases of serious complications – such as severe uterine inflammation – surgical intervention may be necessary to remove foetal tissue and clean the uterus.
• Pain relief and fluid therapy: If the female dog shows pain or signs of dehydration, painkillers and infusion therapy can contribute to stabilisation.

Dealing with an abortion in dogs

The loss of a pregnancy – this should not be downplayed – often affects not only the female dog, but also the people who had been looking forward to the puppies. The female dog now needs above all rest in a quiet, stress-free environment. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor health status and detect possible complications in good time.

If it is planned to breed the female dog again, a comprehensive health check with the vet is recommended beforehand – so that any risk factors can be identified and, if possible, ruled out before the next pregnancy begins.