Diagnosis and Management of Fetal Mummification in a Bitch – A Case Report

Death of the fetus after ossification of fetal bones generally leads to fetal mummification if there is no bacterial infection concurrent with or causing death of the fetus (Noakes, 1986). Fetal mummification is a common problem in polytocous and rare in monotocous animals (Perumal and Srivatsava, 2011). In dogs, embryonic and fetal death can occur due to abnormalities in development or chromosome, infectious agents, maternal endocrine disorders, contraceptive drugs, torsion of uterus and dystocia. These conditions may alter the environment of uterus and lead to fetal death and subsequent mummification (Planellas et al., 2012). Fetal mummification occurs in last stage of gestation after ossification of the bones. As it is a sterile condition, future fertility of animal will not be affected.