2018: MANAGEMENT OF ABORTION AND MUMMIFICATION DUE TO T-CELL LYMPHOMAIN A LABRADOR RETRIEVER


 

Management of abortion and mummification due to T-cell lymphoma in a Labrador retriever 

College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 
 
A pregnant 1.5-year old Labrador retriever was presented at 45 days gestation for brown vaginal 

discharge. A physical examination was normal except for the presence of mucoid, non-odorous, brown 
vaginal discharge. Ultrasonography revealed a small fetus near the cervix that lacked a heartbeat. All 
other fetuses were normal. A vaginal culture was obtained and treatment with amoxicillin 
trihydrate/clavulanate potassium was initiated.1,2 
 The vaginal discharge lessened initially, but increased again by 49 days gestation. Mammary 
development was also noted at this time. Culture revealed a heavy growth of Proteus mirabilis and 
antibiotic therapy was changed to cefpodoxime. At 52 days gestation, the vaginal discharge decreased, 
but a second deceased fetus was noted on ultrasonography and radiography. Tests for canine herpes virus 
and Brucella canis were negative. Despite these results, acyclovir was initiated and cefpodoxime was 
continued. The dam remained clinically healthy and afebrile. At 60 days gestation, decreased fetal heart 
rates indicated fetal stress. Fetal kidney definition and intestinal peristalsis were present on 
ultrasonography. Six viable puppies and one fetal mummy were delivered via cesarean section. 
 One month later, the dam was presented for vomiting and distended abdomen. Chemistry profile, 
complete blood count, abdominal ultrasonography, radiographs, and abdominocentesis suggested 
lymphoma. Severe adhesions throughout the abdomen were found on exploratory laparotomy, and the 
patient was euthanized without recovery. Necropsy results confirmed a final diagnosis of T-cell high 
grade lymphoma with metastasis to most abdominal organs. There is evidence in rodents and horses that 
estrogen and progesterone may influence the growth and development of lymphoid malignancies. The 
frequency and pathology of neoplasia causing canine abortions and fetal mummification is not often 
discussed.1,2 This case represents the importance of management of undiagnosed abortion and fetal 
demise, with an outcome resulting in healthy offspring, but a life-threatening condition for the dam. 
 
Keywords: Lymphoma, pregnancy, abortion 
 
References 
1. Root Kustritz M: Pregnancy diagnosis and abnormalities of pregnancy in the dog. Theriogenology 2005;64:755-765. 
2. Verstegen J, Dhaliwal G, Verstegen-Onclin K: Canine and feline pregnancy loss due to viral and non-infectious causes: 

a review. Theriogenology 2008;70:304-319. 
3. Henson K, Alleman AR, Kelley LC, et al: Immunohistochemical characterization of estrogen and progesterone 

receptors in lymphoma of horses. Vet Clin Pathol 2000;29:40-46. 

Clinical Theriogenology • Volume 10,  Number 3 • September 2018361

B.E. Shumack, R.R. Wilborn, A.K. Johnson, C.L. Barstow