Diagnosis and Treatment of Foetal Anasarca in Two
English Bulldog Puppies
M Cunto, D Zambelli, C Castagnetti, N Linta and C
Bini*
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences – Alma
Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (Bo),
Italy;
*Corresponding author:costanza.bini2@unibo.it
Abstract
This case report
provides the first description of foetal anasarca, from prenatal diagnosis to
neonatal treatment, in two English Bulldog puppies. Anasarca affected 2 out of 3
puppies of the same litter. The dam was a 3 year-old primipara and was
ultrasonographically monitored during pregnancy. The diagnosis of foetal
anasarca was performed on d53. The most severely affected puppy was a female,
which showed subcutaneous oedema and fluid in the thoracic and abdominal
cavities. The other affected puppy was a male, which showed subcutaneous oedema
but no fluid in thoracic and abdominal cavities. At birth, the female puppy did
not respond to resuscitation, whereas the male puppy was successfully treated
with furosemide after resuscitation and completely recovered within 36 hours.
The third puppy was a healthy female. Two weeks after birth, the male puppy was
healthy, although it was lighter compared to its sister puppy. In conclusion,
ultrasound examination during routine pregnancy monitoring permits an early
diagnosis of foetal anasarca, at least in the most severe cases. Prenatal
diagnosis can be useful for the planned c-section, in order to apply an adequate
treatment as soon as possible at delivery.
Key words: Anasarca,
English bulldog,
Neonatal disease,
Puppy