The first report of gastro-thoracoschisis in a puppy born to a pomeranian bitch afflicted with dystocia.

Abstract

A 1.5-year-old primiparous Pomeranian bitch was referred with abdominal discomfort and clinical signs of parturition. Fetal membranes were hanging from vulva, yet no evident progress in parturition was observed. Following medical treatment of the bitch with calcium and oxytocin, the first puppy was born, which had protruding viscera. The abnormal puppy was diagnosed with gastro-thoracoschisis as it has a thoracoabdominal cleft from sternum to pubis, but without skeletal abnormalities. Further, it was revealed that there were some histopathological lesions in the liver and lung of the abnormal puppy. The second and third puppies delivered without difficulty, but only one of these puppies was alive at birth. This case represents the first report of gastro-thoracoschisis clinical case in Pomeranian breed. This case underscores the complexities of managing congenital anomalies in canine and highlights the need for further research to understand the etiology of GTS, which is observed more frequently in ruminants and sporadically in dogs.