CANINE FETAL

MUMMIFICATION
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 TITTLE ANALYSIS

MAIN TOPIC
FETAL
SUBJECT
MUMMIFICATION CANINE
 INTRODUCTION
This event has been reported in
several species, but is more common
in cattle. In dogs is uncommon and
sporadic in nature. Fetal
mummification is a sterile process
due to morphological changes of the
retained death fetus after the first
third of pregnancy, and in dogs is a
characteristic of canine herpes virus.
Fetal death happens in the late
gestation and it is not associated
with abortion.
 HISTORY AND CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS
A 7 year old female Japanese Spitz was brought to the clinic
of Mount Everest Kennel Club. She was reported with
anorexia, fever, vomiting, polydipsia and abnormal vaginal
discharge for a week. the rectal temperature was 40°C and
the animal was discouraged and lethargic. Blood tests
showed that the dog had leukocytosis, neutrophilia and low
PCV count. Biochemical examinations showed
hypoproteinemia resulting from dehydration.
Radiographic examination
of lateral view of the
abdomen indicated the
presence of skeleton,
suggestive of autolytic
changes following death.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
An exploratory laparotomy was
performed under the use of general
anesthesia (Xylazine and Ketamine).
Uterine tissue was found scarred and
the horn of uterus was filled with
serosanguinous content. The fetuses
were found dehydrated, covered with
a black capsule and a wet surface. An
ovariohysterectomy was also
performed to remove the attached
fetuses.
Neosporin® powder was sprinkled into the abdominal
cavity and closed with 0-0 sutures. Dicrysticin® and
Meloxicam were provided intramuscularly for five
days after surgery.
 In this study, mummified puppies were
surrounded by dark capsules with wet
surface. The placental fluids were
absorbed, and the fetal membranes
adhere to the dehydrated fetus, allowing
DISCUSSION the formation of a dark tissue with a wet
surface without odor or secretions. The
reason why this event could have
happened may be primary uterine inertia
which is common in canines.
VOCABULARY LEARNED

Tissue resorption: Polydipsia: sed Soiled: Scarred: con

reabsorción tisular. excesiva. sucio/manchado. cicatrices.
 REFERENCES
Bindari YR and S Shrestha, 2012. Canine fetal
mummification. Inter J Vet Sci, 1(1): 10-12.
http://www.ijvets.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf-files/Volume-
1-Issue-1-2012/10-12.pdf