| Brucella canis |
Most common bacterial cause of abortion in bitches. Abortion occurs between 45-55 days of pregnancy.
Infertility follows infection and abortion, vaginal discharges and aborted fetal tissues are highly
infectious to other females. |
| E. coli, S. aureus, Strep. species |
Frequently cultured from vaginal discharges or fetal tissues after abortion; their role is unknown. May be
associated with infertility, persistent vaginal discharge, and repeat abortion in older females. |
| ß-hemolytic Streptococcus |
Fetal infection has been reported, resulting in abortion or the birth of weak, nonspecies viable pups. |
| Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma |
Opportunistic organisms normally found in the vaginal canal. In heavy infections, may species cause infertility,
early embryonic death, resorption, abortion, stillbirth, or the birth of weak, nonviable pups. |
| Canine herpesvirus |
Causes fatal infections in newborn puppies and vaginitis in bitches. Can cross the placenta and infect puppies,
resulting in fetal death, mummification, abortion, premature birth, or the delivery of weak, nonviable pups. |
| Canine distemper virus |
May cause spontaneous abortion with or without fetal infection. Often abortion results from stress of the clinical
disease. |
| Canine adenovirus (infectious hepatitis) |
May cause spontaneous abortion with or without fetal infection. Often abortion results from stress of the clinical
disease. |
| Toxoplasma gondii |
Protozoal parasite causing mild disease in adult dogs. May be more severe when present with distemper virus, which is
known to suppress the immune system. Fetal infection may occur. T. gondii has been found in the milk of lactating
bitches. |
| Neospora caninum |
Protozoal parasite resembling T. gondii. Can infect the brains and spinal cords of developing fetuses or neonates.
Newborns have progressive muscular weakness leading to death. |
| [Contributed by Jeanette L. Floss, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACT, Indianapolis, IN.] |
References: Carmichael et al, Biol Stand 56: 371-383, 1984; Olson and Jones,
Current Ther Theriogenol 2 (Morrrow, ed), Saunders, Philadelphia, 1986, pp 469-475; Dubey et al, JAVMA 193: 1259-1263, 1988;
Evermann, Current Vet Ther X (Kirk, ed), Saunders, Philadelphia, 1989, pp 1313-1316; Floss and Hardin, Vet Med. 91: 846-849,
1996.
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