Concurrent foetal mummification and maceration in a bitch, resulting in foetal retention

Abstract

An eight-year-old cross-bred bitch with a history of over-gestation for 10 days was presented with no clinical findings or vaginal discharge. On ultrasonographic and radiologic examinations, dead foetuses were clearly detected and an ovariohysterectomy was performed. Four foetuses (two mummified) in the left horn and one mummified foetus in the right horn, in a mud-like, dark green mass, were observed. E.coli was isolated from the uterine content. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia and endometritis were diagnosed histologically. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of concurrent foetal mummification and maceration resulting in foetal retention in the bitch.