Several possible infectious causes of early embryonic deaths and abortion are listed below. Maternal environmental stresses Infectious agents gain access to the pregnant uterus via the blood stream or through the cervix. These can cause placental dysfunction leading to fetal death and in some cases may infect fetuses directly. The most common bacterial cause of abortion in the bitch. Abortion occurs between 45 and 55 days of pregnancy.
Infertility follows infection and abortion.
Vaginal discharges and aborted fetal tissues are highly infectious to other females. Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus spp. These are frequently cultured from vaginal discharges or from fetal tissues after abortion. Their role in causing abortion is unknown. May be associated with infertility, persistent vaginal discharge and repeat abortions in older bitches.