Successful Treatment of Dystocia Associated with Fetal Death in a Raccoon Dog (<i>Nyctereutes procyonoides</i>) Using Prostaglandin F2 Alpha (PGF2α)

A female adult raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) with generalized hyperkeratosis, alopecia, and lethargy was rescued.The initial examination revealed no remarkable findings aside from a scabies infection with cutaneous hyperkeratosis, anemia, and hypothermia.Purulent vulvar discharge was noted on the following day.Ultrasonography revealed a nonviable fetus without a heartbeat or movement in the uterus.Oxytocin was administered on days two and four to expel the dead fetus, but serial ultrasound monitoring confirmed persistent dystocia because of fetal malpresentation (transverse position).On day 10, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2) was administered to expel the fetus.Finally, complete expulsion of the fetus was confirmed by ultrasonography on day 11, and the vaginal discharge was resolved by day 12.This case highlights the effectiveness of PGF2 in prompting fetal expulsion and appropriate antibiotic therapy to resolve vulvar discharges in raccoon dogs with dystocia associated with fetal death.