Puppy health - Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death in the dog: infectious causes and preventive measures

Pup mortality is high in dogs, with approximately 10%  stillbirht rate, and postpartum mortality up to 30% in some studies. The incidence of perinatal mortality among Swedish dogs is not known. Morbidity and mortality of newborn pups causes suffering of the inidivudal pups, emotional and economical stress for the breeder, and these cases are often a challenge to handle for the practicing veterinarian. The pups often requires treatement with antibiotics, and some potential infections are zoonotic, for example Salmonella and Brucella canis. The overall goal of this project is to investigate the association between infectious agents and abortion or newborn mortality in Swedish dogs. Since Brucella canis is reported as emerging in several European countries, a special focus will be put on its diagnostic challenges. Non-infectious riskfactors for mortality will also be investigated.
We will:

* Investigate the experienced occurrence of abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death among Swedish breeders through a questionnaire.

* Investigate the most common infectious causes of late pregnancy complications and newborn pup death

*Based on results, develop well-founded guidelines for prevention of infectious death in late pregnancy and perinatal period.

The results will allow more reliable recommendations regarding diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. This will result in healthier dogs, reduced mortality and more successful dog breeding.