Often abortion results from the stress of the clinical disease. Toxoplasma gondii Protozoal parasite causing mild disease in adult dogs. May be more severe when present with distemper virus, which is known to suppress the immune system. Fetal infection may occur and T. gondii has been found in milk of lactating bitches. Neospora caninum Recently identified protozoal parasite that resembles T. gondii , can infect brain and spinal cord of developing fetuses or neonates.
Newborns have progressive muscular weakness leading to death.
Diagnostic work-up With any abortion, the bitch should be presented to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a complete physical examination and collection of samples for diagnostic testing. In most cases, these diagnostic procedures will not save the pregnancy, but they will help identify the appropriate supportive medical therapy and the management practices necessary to prevent future abortions. The vaccination history of the bitch and the results of previous Brucella canis serology tests should be given also. Any clinical illness and medications given during pregnancy should be noted at this time as well. Type of housing and diet should be recorded.