Postpartum Hemorrhage in Dogs: Diagnosis and Care235


Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur after a dog gives birth. PPH is defined as excessive bleeding from the uterus following parturition. The amount of blood loss that constitutes PPH can vary depending on the size of the dog and the length of the labor, but typically more than 200 ml of blood loss is considered PPH.

PPH can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract after birth)
Retained placenta
Trauma to the uterus or vagina
Coagulation disorders
Infection

The signs of PPH can include:
Bright red, heavy vaginal bleeding
Collapse
Weakness
Pale gums
Rapid heart rate
Hypothermia

PPH is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. If you think your dog is experiencing PPH, call your veterinarian immediately.

Treatment for PPH will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, treatment will involve:
Administering fluids to replace lost blood
Giving medication to stop bleeding
Removing any retained placenta
Repairing any uterine or vaginal tears
Treating any underlying infection

The prognosis for dogs with PPH depends on the severity of the bleeding and the underlying cause. With prompt treatment, most dogs can make a full recovery.

Prevention

There are no surefire ways to prevent PPH, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk:
Make sure your dog is in good health before breeding
Provide your dog with a nutritious diet during pregnancy and lactation
Avoid giving your dog any medications that could interfere with blood clotting
Be present during your dog's labor and delivery so that you can monitor her for signs of PPH

2025-02-06


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