Management of Fetal Autolysis and Partial Uterine Rupture in a Bitch

A multiparous Beagle bitch with dystocia was presented with anamnesis of prior whelping of live three pups with continuous effusion of tarry vaginal discharges. Radiographic examination suggested presence of oversized, hydrocephalic fetus proximal to pelvic inlet. During surgery, uterus appeared fragile and necrosed from the site of placental attachment of previously delivered pups. Autolysed, hydrocephalic pup was extracted from the fragile placental attachment affiliated with partial uterine rupture, additionally enforced ovario-hysterectomy. Histologically, affected uterine tissue revealed loss of epithelial lining, necrosis of sub-mucosa along with hemorrhages, hemosiderosis and neutrophilic infiltration up to the Tunica muscularis.