Vet’s 2025 Guide to Retained Placenta in Dogs 🩺 Signs, Treatment & Recovery

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

💡 What Is Retained Placenta?

A retained placenta (or retained afterbirth) happens when a dog's placenta isn’t expelled within ~15 minutes after each puppy is born. Residual placental tissue in the uterus can lead to infection (metritis) or life-threatening sepsis.

⚠️ Who Is at Risk?

• Toy breeds, large litters, or difficult labor (dystocia) are more prone to retained placenta.
• Weak uterine contractions (uterine inertia) or maternal fatigue also contribute.
• Often overlooked if the mother eats the placenta, making counting challenging.

🚩 Clinical Signs to Watch

• Greenish or foul-smelling vaginal discharge lasting > 24 hr postpartum.
• Fever, lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting.
• Poor maternal behavior or disinterest in nursing puppies.
• Abdominal discomfort or swelling in advanced cases.

🧪 Diagnosis Steps

• History, physical exam, and postpartum timing were noted by the owner.
• Abdominal palpation may suggest retained tissue.
• Diagnostic imaging—ultrasound or X-ray—confirms retained placenta or rules out retained puppies.
• Bloodwork and vaginal cytology evaluate for infection or inflammation.

🩺 Treatment Protocols (2025)

1. Medical Treatment

• Oxytocin within 24 hr postpartum stimulates uterine contractions and aids expulsion.
• After 24 hr, prostaglandin F₂α or cloprostenol may be used if oxytocin fails.
• Antibiotics (broad-spectrum) to treat or prevent metritis.
• IV fluids and supportive care if systemic signs are present.

2. Surgical Intervention

• Manual removal via exploratory surgery is required when medications fail or tissue becomes necrotic.
• Ovariohysterectomy (spay) if future breeding isn't planned or severe uterine illness (metritis/sepsis) is present.

📅 Post-Treatment & Nursing Care

• Monitor vaginal discharge in color and odor; should improve after expulsion.
• Continue antibiotics and ensure hydration & nutrition.
• Check temperature, energy, appetite, and maternal behaviors daily.
• Pain control and uterine involution continue over ~2 weeks.
• Follow-up ultrasound if discharge or signs persist to rule out subinvolution (SIPS).

📈 Prognosis & Risks

• Early intervention → excellent outcomes; late cases risk metritis, sepsis, death.
• Surgical removal/spay → fast recovery, low recurrence.
• Untreated or delayed cases → uterine infection, systemic illness, or even death.

🚫 Prevention & Best Practices

• Monitor whelping actively—count puppies and placentas when possible.
• Ensure prompt veterinary intervention if green or foul discharge appears >24 hr postpartum.
• Avoid elective spay immediately after birth unless medically necessary.
• Consider uterine contraction support (oxytocin) at end of delivery.
• Maintain a clean birthing environment and good hygiene for mother and puppies.

🏡 Ask A Vet Home Support

• 📸 Upload photos of discharge color, consistency, wounds, and mother–puppy interactions.
• 🕒 Schedule reminders for medication, temperature checks, vet rechecks, and nursing assessments.
• 📊 Log appetite, energy, discharge, and maternal care behaviors.
• 🔔 Receive alerts for fever, persistent discharge, or behavioral decline.
• 🧠 Access care guides on postpartum hygiene, spay timing, oxytocin use, and monitoring strategies.

🔍 Key Takeaways

• Retained placenta is rare but potentially fatal if untreated.
• Green-foul discharge >24 hr postpartum, fever, lethargy are red flags.
• Medical treatment with oxytocin and antibiotics works well early.
• Surgical removal or spaying is effective in advanced cases.
• Ask A Vet helps owners monitor, schedule, and log postpartum care for best outcomes.

🩺 Final Word ❤️

In 2025, retained placenta in dogs is manageable with swift intervention and follow-up. By combining veterinary treatment—oxytocin, antibiotics, possible surgery—with vigilant home care and support via the Ask A Vet app, most mothers fully recover and resume excellent maternal care. Your proactive support matters—for moms and pups! 🐾✨

Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app to log postpartum signs, set reminders, share photos, and stay connected with your vet—right from your home. 📲