Canine fetal dystocia by hydropsy: use of ultrasonography diagnostic

Abstract

Fetal hydropsy is one of the causes of dystocia that leads to obstruction of the birth canal and fetal death. It is characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the extravascular space, generalized subcutaneous edema and variable liquid collections in the peritoneal, pleural, and pericardial cavities. This work aims to report a canine hydropsy of the anasarca type diagnosed by ultrasound examination, in two-dimensional mode. A 2-year-old Brazilian Terrier bitch with a labor enduring 12 hours had successfully expelled three puppies, one of them stillborn. On palpation, a fetus was detected in birth canal and an ultrasound examination was requested to assess fetal viability and possible surgical referral. Ultrasonography revealed the persistence of fetuses: one missing a heartbeat and obstructing the birth canal and two others in fetal distress. The dead fetus was enlarged and had subcutaneous edema along the length of the body. Cervical cysts were observed bilaterally in the subcutaneous tissue, besides to pleural and abdominal effusion. Gestational age was 68 days based on morphogenesis and biparietal diameter. The placenta was enlarged, measuring 0.83cm. The patient underwent an emergency cesarean section. Both puppies that were in fetal suffering were removed without heartbeat and the malformed puppy was necropsied. In addition, congestion was found in the heart, lungs, liver, intestine and peritoneum. The hydropic pup did not affect the previous expulsion of those who were closer to the birth canal, however it obstructed the passage of those who positioned themselves cranially to him, leading to the suffering and consequent fetal death of two puppies.