Placentitis and dystocia attributed to streptobacillus moniliformis in a domestic dumbo rat (rattus norvegicus)

A 12-week-old sexually intact female domestic Dumbo rat (Rattus norvegicus) was presented for dystocia. The animal had maloccluded incisors, muco-hemorrhagic vulvar discharge, and no evidence of obstruction of the pelvic canal. The animal was treated parenterally with calcium and oxytocin and provided supportive care. Controlled vaginal delivery under general anesthesia was unsuccessful. The animal was humanely euthanized and was diagnosed with bacterial placentitis on necropsy. Histopathologic examination revealed abundant filamentous, Gram-negative, Giemsa-positive bacteria associated with the placenta, endometrial surface and uterine vessels of the dam, and alveolar spaces of multiple fetuses.
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research