Does the Placenta Come Out With Each Puppy? A Comprehensive Guide
The placenta often, but not always, comes out with each puppy. This guide explores the intricacies of placental expulsion in canines, providing valuable insights for breeders and dog owners.
Understanding the Canine Placenta
The placenta plays a vital role in canine pregnancy, acting as the interface between the mother and her developing puppies. It’s responsible for:
- Nutrient delivery
- Waste removal
- Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
- Hormone production
Understanding its function is crucial for recognizing potential complications during and after whelping (the birthing process). The canine placenta is classified as zonary, meaning it forms a band-like structure around the developing puppy.
The Whelping Process and Placental Expulsion
Whelping is a multi-stage process that typically lasts between 3 to 12 hours, though it can sometimes extend longer. The process involves three distinct stages:
- Stage 1 (Preparation): The cervix begins to dilate, and the dam exhibits signs of nesting, restlessness, and panting. This stage can last up to 24 hours.
- Stage 2 (Delivery): The dam experiences strong contractions, and the puppies are born. Each puppy is typically encased in its own amniotic sac.
- Stage 3 (Placental Expulsion): The placenta, also known as the afterbirth, is expelled after each puppy or sometimes after a group of puppies. This can occur almost immediately after the birth of a puppy or up to 30 minutes later.
The key question, Does the placenta come out with each puppy?, doesn’t have a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Ideally, one placenta should be expelled for each puppy born. However, it’s not uncommon for multiple puppies to be born before their corresponding placentas are passed.
Retained Placenta: A Potential Complication
One of the main concerns during whelping is retained placenta. This occurs when one or more placentas are not expelled within a reasonable timeframe after the birth of the last puppy (usually within 4-6 hours). Retained placentas can lead to serious complications, including:
- Uterine infection (metritis): This is a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus.
- Septicemia: A blood infection.
- Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding.
- Infertility: Difficulty conceiving in the future.
It’s crucial to monitor the dam closely after whelping for signs of retained placenta, such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and abdominal pain.
What To Do During Whelping: A Breeder’s Checklist
Successful whelping requires careful planning and observation. Here’s a checklist to help breeders manage the process effectively:
- Preparation:
- Prepare a designated whelping area well in advance.
- Gather essential supplies (towels, antiseptic, scissors, dental floss, calcium supplements, etc.).
- Know your veterinarian’s contact information and emergency protocols.
- During Whelping:
- Monitor the dam’s progress closely.
- Record the time of birth for each puppy and placenta.
- Ensure each puppy begins nursing shortly after birth.
- If a puppy is born in its sac, promptly remove it to allow the puppy to breathe.
- Tie off and cut the umbilical cord if the dam does not do so herself.
- Post-Whelping:
- Continue monitoring the dam for signs of complications (retained placenta, metritis, mastitis).
- Provide the dam with a nutritious diet and plenty of fresh water.
- Maintain a clean and comfortable environment for the dam and her puppies.
The Dam Eating the Placenta: Is it Normal?
It is common for the dam to eat the placentas. This is a natural instinct that serves several purposes:
- Provides nutrients: The placenta is rich in nutrients and hormones that can help the dam recover from whelping and stimulate milk production.
- Cleans the whelping area: By consuming the placentas, the dam helps to keep the whelping area clean and reduces the risk of attracting predators.
- Hormonal boost: Placentas contain oxytocin which helps uterine involution and stimulates milk let down.
While eating a few placentas is generally harmless, allowing the dam to eat all of them is not recommended. Excessive consumption can lead to digestive upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Identifying Placental Issues During Whelping
The question of Does the placenta come out with each puppy? highlights the importance of careful monitoring during whelping. Being able to identify potential problems can be critical. Here are some indicators of placental issues:
- Prolonged labor without puppy delivery: This could indicate a blockage or uterine inertia (weak or absent contractions).
- Greenish-black vaginal discharge before the first puppy: This suggests placental separation has occurred prematurely, depriving the puppy of oxygen. It requires immediate veterinary intervention.
- Failure to expel the placenta within a reasonable timeframe after the birth of a puppy: This raises the suspicion of retained placenta.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge after whelping: This is a sign of uterine infection (metritis) and requires prompt veterinary treatment.
It is best to keep a count of placentas expelled during the whelping.
The Role of Veterinary Intervention
If you suspect any complications during or after whelping, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. A veterinarian can:
- Perform an examination to determine the cause of the problem.
- Administer medications to stimulate uterine contractions and expel retained placentas.
- Provide supportive care to the dam and puppies.
- Perform surgery (in severe cases) to remove retained placentas or treat uterine infections.
| Condition | Symptoms | Veterinary Intervention |
|---|---|---|
| —————— | ——————————————————————— | ——————————————————————————————————————— |
| Retained Placenta | Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, foul-smelling discharge | Oxytocin injections, antibiotics, manual removal (in severe cases), ultrasound to locate pieces of placenta |
| Metritis | Fever, lethargy, foul-smelling discharge, abdominal pain | Antibiotics, fluid therapy, pain management, potentially a hysterectomy if medical management is not successful |
| Uterine Inertia | Weak or absent contractions, prolonged labor | Oxytocin injections, calcium supplementation, potentially a cesarean section |
| Premature Placental Separation | Greenish-black vaginal discharge before the first puppy | Emergency cesarean section |
Understanding the Long-Term Impact
Proper management of placental expulsion during and after whelping has significant long-term implications for both the dam and her puppies.
- Improved dam health: Preventing retained placenta and metritis ensures the dam’s overall well-being and reproductive health.
- Enhanced puppy survival rates: A healthy dam produces higher-quality milk, providing essential nutrients and antibodies to her puppies.
- Future breeding potential: Prompt treatment of complications helps maintain the dam’s ability to conceive and carry future litters.
- Reduced veterinary costs: Proactive management and early intervention can prevent costly and potentially life-threatening emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the placenta come out with each puppy even if the mother eats it?
Yes, the placenta still comes out with each puppy, even if the mother consumes it. The act of the mother eating the placenta does not change the fact that it was initially expelled from the uterus after the puppy’s birth. You should still keep count of the number of placentas passed, even if the mother eats some.
How long after a puppy is born should the placenta be expelled?
Ideally, the placenta should be expelled within 15-30 minutes of the puppy’s birth. However, it is normal for several puppies to be born before a group of placentas are expelled. Monitor the dam closely and consult your veterinarian if you are concerned.
What if I don’t see a placenta for every puppy?
It is critical to keep a record and count the placentas that are expelled. If you suspect a retained placenta, monitor the dam for signs of illness (fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, foul-smelling discharge). Contact your veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.
Can a retained placenta cause death in a dog?
Yes, a retained placenta can potentially lead to death in a dog. Retained placentas can cause severe uterine infection (metritis) and septicemia (blood poisoning), which can be fatal if left untreated. Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial.
What can I do to prevent retained placenta?
Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to prevent retained placenta. However, providing optimal care during pregnancy and whelping can help reduce the risk. Ensure the dam receives proper nutrition, maintains good hygiene, and is monitored closely during and after whelping. Oxytocin injections can be administered by your vet if they suspect an issue.
What are the signs of metritis in a dog after whelping?
The signs of metritis in a dog after whelping include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, foul-smelling vaginal discharge (often reddish-brown or greenish-black), abdominal pain, and decreased milk production.
Is it safe to induce labor in a dog?
Inducing labor should only be considered under the direction of a veterinarian. It carries risks and is not appropriate in all situations. Always consult with your veterinarian before considering labor induction.
What does a normal placenta look like?
A normal canine placenta is dark red in color and has a disc-like shape. It’s attached to the umbilical cord and contains blood vessels that connect to the puppy. It is typically roughly the size of the puppy who expelled it.
How do I stimulate a dam’s milk production?
Stimulating milk production can be achieved by ensuring the dam is well-hydrated and receives a nutritious diet formulated for lactating mothers. Frequent nursing by the puppies also stimulates milk production. Your veterinarian may also recommend medications to support milk production.
What is subinvolution of placental sites (SIPS)?
Subinvolution of placental sites (SIPS) is a condition where the placental attachment sites in the uterus fail to heal properly after whelping. This can lead to prolonged bleeding and vaginal discharge.
Does the placenta come out with each puppy in all breeds?
Yes, the process of placental expulsion is generally the same in all dog breeds. The fundamental physiology of canine reproduction remains consistent across different breeds. The core question – Does the placenta come out with each puppy? – and the answers to it, apply equally to all.
How soon after whelping can a dog get pregnant again?
While it is physiologically possible for a dog to get pregnant again shortly after whelping, it is not recommended. Allowing the dam adequate time to recover between litters is essential for her health and well-being. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate breeding schedule.