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Non-infectious causes of infertility and loss of a pregnancy in dogs

Non-infectious causes of infertility and loss of a pregnancy in dogs can include various metabolic or endocrine diseases, as well as endometrial insufficiency.


It is important to note that these conditions can have other symptoms and signs that may be seen besides the infertility or loss of pregnancy, like weight gain or loss, hair loss, skin changes, behavioral changes, etc. A veterinarian should be consulted to diagnose and treat these conditions.


Metabolic or endocrine diseases

Metabolic or endocrine diseases refer to conditions that affect the body's hormones and metabolism. These can include conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), and diabetes. These conditions can affect the dog's reproductive system and lead to infertility or miscarriage.


Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. In females, diabetes can cause changes in the reproductive tract, leading to infertility or spontaneous abortion. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels that supply the ovaries and uterus, which can affect ovulation and implantation of the fertilized egg. Additionally, diabetes can cause hormonal imbalances that can affect the dog's ability to conceive or maintain a pregnancy.


Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can lead to a hormonal imbalance in the body, which can affect the dog's ability to ovulate and maintain a pregnancy. In addition, hypothyroidism can cause changes in the uterus that can prevent implantation of the fertilized egg, resulting in spontaneous abortion.


Hypoluteoidism

Hypoluteoidism is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, particularly progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. Without enough progesterone, the uterus is unable to support the pregnancy and spontaneous abortion may occur.


Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease)

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) is a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This can lead to changes in the reproductive tract, including irregular estrous cycles and a lack of ovulation. High levels of cortisol can also affect the uterus, making it less receptive to implantation of the fertilized egg, and leading to spontaneous abortion.


It is important to note these conditions may have other symptoms and signs that may be seen besides infertility or loss of pregnancy, and a veterinarian should be consulted to diagnose and treat these conditions. They may require specific treatments and monitoring to regulate the hormonal balance and improve the dog's overall health


Endometrial insufficiency

Endometrial insufficiency refers to a condition in which the lining of the uterus is not able to properly support a pregnancy. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances or other underlying health issues. If the uterus is not able to support the pregnancy, the dog may experience a spontaneous abortion or a failure to conceive.


Endometrial fibrosis

Endometrial fibrosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) becomes thickened and fibrous, which can prevent the fertilized egg from implanting properly, leading to infertility or spontaneous abortion. The fibrous tissue can also make it difficult for the placenta to attach properly, which can cause problems during pregnancy.


Cystic endometrial hyperplasia

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia is a condition in which the endometrium becomes thickened and contains multiple fluid-filled cysts. This can make it difficult for the fertilized egg to implant, leading to infertility or spontaneous abortion. Additionally, the cysts can interfere with the formation of the placenta, which can cause problems during pregnancy.


Pseudoplacentation endometrial hyperplasia

Pseudoplacentation endometrial hyperplasia is a condition in which the endometrium becomes thickened and forms a mass that can mimic a placenta. This can lead to confusion during pregnancy and can cause problems with the proper development of the placenta, leading to spontaneous abortion.


These conditions are usually the result of hormonal imbalances or other underlying health issues, and a veterinarian should be consulted to diagnose and treat these conditions. Depending on the case, treatment may include hormone therapy, surgery or other therapies.




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