Involution or healing of the uterus is a normal process after whelping, during which the uterus shrinks and heals from the pups’ placentas attachments, known as placental sites. When this process is delayed or incomplete, it is known as subinvolution of the placental sites or SIPS. For some reason, SIPS is more likely to occur in maiden bitches with large litters.
Although we do not expect a bitch’s uterus to have healed by Day 14, you might see signs of SIPS within a few weeks of whelping. In particular, look for extensive bleeding or hemorrhaging. Bitches may be very weak from blood loss or show few signs other than discharge. However, rather than drops or even ropes of discharge, bitches with SIPS leave large puddles or bleed as they walk.
In the past, breeders and vets believed the only treatment for SIPS was spaying or, in mild cases, waiting until the next season. However, we had good luck treating it with injectable progestin, which resolved all SIPS symptoms in just a few days. You and your vet can find more information in the references.
References
Voorhorst MJ, van Brederode JC, et al. 2013. Successful treatment for subinvolution of placental sites in the bitch with low oral doses of progestagen. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 48(5):840-3. doi:10.1111/rda.12172.
Sontas HB, C Stelletta, et al. Full recovery of subinvolution of placental sites in an American Staffordshire terrier bitch.
Kumar, D., Kumar, A., Kumar, P., Yadava, C. L., & PrakashYadav, S. (2018). Sub-involution of placental sites (SIPS): an overview. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 6(6), 65-67.
