Uterine perforation secondary to metritis and placenta percreta in a postpartum bitch

A 3-year-old intact female Labradoodle bitch was referred due to fever and lethargy 4 days postpartum. The dog was reported to have had prolonged labor that required assistance and fetal membranes were retained. Physical examination and diagnostics led to a suspicion of metritis and uterine perforation. Ovariohysterectomy was performed. Gross and histopathology findings revealed multifocal uterine perforation, necrosuppurative metritis, and placenta percreta. Post-operative antibiotic therapy and supportive care resulted in an uneventful clinical recovery. This is the first reported case of placenta percreta in a bitch. It is presumed that this pathology was paramount in the patient's development of metritis and subsequent uterine rupture. Key clinical message: Placenta percreta may lead to more severe clinical consequences of metritis, including uterine rupture.