Clinical and Post-Mortem Findings of Fulminant Septicaemia Due To Retained Foetal Membranes in A Doe

Abstract

Foetal membranes are said to be retained when they fail to be expelled within 3-4 hours after parturition. Retained foetal membranes are often complicated by septic metritis and toxaemia within 2-3 days postpartum if not promptly treated. In this case report, a 4 year old female Jamnapuri goat weighing 60kg was presented to the large animal clinic of the Universiti Veterinary hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) with the complaint of difficulty in breathing, coughing, in appetence, dehydration and recumbency a few days after kidding. Following physical examination, haematological and biochemical analysis, a tentative diagnosis of septicemia with concomitant diarrhoea was made. The initial treatment instituted was aimed at stabilizing the patient through intravenous fluid (IVF), non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) and antibiotics therapies. Unfortunately the doe died and necropsy examination revealed a pneumonic lung, mastitis, pin point ecchymotic haemorrhages on the abomasal mucosa with moderately pale and mottled liver and pieces of macerated placenta in an inflamed uterus. The cause of death was fulminant septicemia arising from the retained foetal membranes, with complications of pneumonia, enteritis and mastitis. Prompt implementation of herd health program is paramount in reducing mortalities in goat farms.