Common periparturient complications in female dogs

  • Sarah Ward Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
  • Patricio Razquin Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
  • Greg Burns Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
  • Jenny Sones Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v18.12735
Keywords: Nutrition, pregnancy, eclampsia, mastitis, metritis

Abstract

In female dog’s reproduction, periparturient period is a critical time, often characterized by morbidity/mortality of the dam and fetus/neonates. Preexisting risk factors influencing dam’s postpartum survival include body condition, nutritional status, and endocrinopathies. Periparturient complications in the dog are common and require knowledgeable observation to detect, diagnose, and treat. Focus of this review is to describe the clinical manifestations of infectious (mastitis and metritis) and noninfectious (ketosis and eclampsia) periparturient disorders that require supportive and interventional management; to present diagnostic approach from a practical perspective along with treatment protocols from literature; and to enable readers to understand the pathophysiology of these conditions, clinical signs, diagnostics, treatments, and prevention.

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Published
2026-01-23
How to Cite
Ward , S., Razquin , P., Burns , G., & Sones , J. (2026). Common periparturient complications in female dogs. Clinical Theriogenology, 18. https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v18.12735
Issue
Vol. 18 (2026): Issue in progress
Section
Review Reports
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