6. (Removed) Abort (aetiology, dam examination, necropsy of foetus)

What is an abortion in veterinary terms?

Termination of pregnancy by the delivery of a dead foetus, or its expulsion from the uterus before the normal term of delivery which is incapable of survival

What are the two main categories of causes of abortion?

Non-infectious and infectious

What are some non-infectious causes of abortion?

1. Endocrine imbalance (hypoluteinism, hypothyroidism)

2. Exogenous hormones

3. Fetotoxic or teratogenic drugs

4. Injury/physical trauma

What are some examples of exogenous hormones that can cause abortion?

1. Oestrogens

2. Glucocorticoids

3. Prostaglandins

4. Dopamine agonists (cabergoline, bromocriptine)

What are some examples of fetotoxic or teratogenic drugs that can cause abortion?

1. Chemotherapy

2. Antimycotic drugs

3. Some antibiotics (trimethoprim-sulfonamide, tetracycline, gentamicin)

4. Modified live vaccines

What are some infectious causes of abortion?

Bacterial infections, protozoa, and viral infections

What are examples of bacterial causes of abortions?

1. Brucella canis

2. E. coli

3. Campylobacter

4. Pseudomonas

5. Salmonella

6. Haemolytic streptococci

7. Clostridium sp.

What protozoan infection can cause abortion?

Toxoplasma gondii

What are some viral infections that can cause abortion?

1. Canine herpesvirus

2. Distemper virus

3. Parvovirus

4. Adenovirus

What is a partial abortion?

When some, but not all, foetuses are lost, often in bitches with pregnancy in the body of the uterus

How is the vitality of unborn foetuses confirmed during a partial abortion?

USG examination

What is the primary concern during a partial abortion?

Protecting other foetuses from ascendant infection

What is the recommended treatment for a partial abortion?

Application of antibiotics (ampicillin or amoxicillin are safe antibiotics during pregnancy)

What are the methods used for dam examination in cases of abortion?

USG, X-ray, and palpation

What does USG detect in dam examination?

Foetal heartbeat

What does X-ray detect in dam examination?

Any bone abnormalities, detectable only after mineralisation

When can palpation be used to examine the dam?

After 30 days of gestation

What are the methods used for necropsy of the foetus?

1. Macroscopic evaluation

2. Histopathological examination

3. Bacteriological, virological, parasitological, mycological, and serological examination