DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF FETAL ANASARCA IN A BEAGLE BITCH
Loading...
Date
2019-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Puppies born with anasarca are commonly called walrus puppies, swimmer puppies, rubber puppies or
water puppies. It is also called as congenital edema or hydrops fetalis. This is characterized by generalized
subcutaneous edema and fluid accumulation in different body cavities and in visceral organs. A four-year-old
beagle bitch was presented to the Small Animal Gynaecology Unit of Madras Veterinary College Teaching
Hospital with the history of having attained full term pregnancy which previously confirmed by a local
veterinarian using ultrasonography. On clinical examination, the animal was found to be dull and showing signs
of respiratory distress. Radiograph revealed seven fetuses and on ultrasonography, one fetus appeared to have
abnormal contour and feable heartbeat. On transverse section, multiple anechoic sacculations surrounding the
fetal abdominal organs were visualized, suggestive of fetal anasarca. The serum progesterone values assessed
by chemi luminescence assay were found to be 2.8 ng/ml suggestive of impending parturition. The owner was
advised to monitor the dog for the signs of whelping. Ten hours later, owner reported greenish black vaginal
discharge with animal straining since two hours and unable to deliver. Induction with 15 IU oxytocin mixed
in 150 ml of dextrose 25% was initiated slowly intravenously. Forty minutes later a dead anasarcous fetus was
delivered by gentle traction. Six more puppies were delivered normally within three hours.
Description
TNV_35thVCRI_CA_Dec-2019_CCPO-11
Keywords
Veterinary Science