First report on clinical aspects, blood profiles, bacterial isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility, and histopathology in canine pyometra in Thailand

Abstract

Background and Aim: Canine pyometra, either the closed (closed pyometra [CP]) or open (open pyometra [OP]) cervix type, is a frequent uterine disease in intact old age bitches. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate medical and surgical treatments are crucial to avoid the life-threatening condition in these bitches. This study aimed to investigate clinical alterations, blood parameters, causative bacteria, antimicrobial susceptibility, and uterine histopathology obtained during aseptic surgical treatment on bitches with pyometra. Materials and Methods: Sixty bitches of various breeds and ages with presumptive pyometra diagnoses were included in the study. The diagnoses were based on history, clinical examination, blood parameters, radiography, and ultrasonography. All pyometra bitches were ovariohysterectomized as an emergency surgical treatment. In addition, uterine content and tissues were submitted for bacterial isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility, and uterine histopathological analysis. Results: Except for abdominal CP distention, no specific clinical signs were linked to the pyometra type. The mean values of total white blood cell count (WBC) and plasma protein were predominantly raised in pyometra bitches regarding hematological parameters. Leukocytosis was found in both types; however, the WBC in CP was markedly higher than in OP. The mean value of blood urea nitrogen increased in the CP group. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were the most frequent causative bacteria isolated in CP and OP, respectively. All isolated bacteria were 100% susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, and carbapenem. Marbofloxacin was the second most effective drug against isolated bacteria from both groups. Uncomplicated cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) was not presented in the CP group. CEH and chronic endometritis (type IV), the most severe uterine histopathological changes, were discovered in the CP and OP. Conclusion: The CP and OP groups presented leukocytosis, increased plasma protein, and CEH and chronic endometritis. Depression, abdominal distention, and enlarged uterine size were the major characteristics of the CP group. Furthermore, abdominal distension is presented in other abnormalities in clinical practices, providing a differential diagnosis. Drugs in the carbapenem group were the most effective against isolated bacteria; however, they are not routinely used due to bacterial resistance concerns. Thus, marbofloxacin was recommended as an alternative medical treatment because it is convenient to manage by both oral and injection routes.

Divergences between serum C-reactive protein and ferritin concentrations in canine pyometra

“…However, further studies with a larger number of dogs and different E. coli infections should be made to corroborate this hypothesis. In the present study, only a few dogs with pyometra presented mild normocytic normochromic anaemia, a finding which is in line with previous reports [ 19 ], indicating that the inappropriately normal serum ferritin concentration found in this situation is not related to chronic blood loss. Nevertheless, these findings should be confirmed in additional studies with a larger population of dogs with different diseases and it would be also of interest to compare the diagnostic potential of the combination of serum CRP and ferritin concentrations with other tools used for the diagnosis of pyometra.…”

First Report on Ovariohysterectomy for the Treatment of Pyometra in a Golden Retriever Dog in Mongolia

“…Fluoroquinolones, such as enrofloxacin and amoxicillin/ clavulanate, are the primary and secondary recommendations, respectively, for pyometra treatment. Other effective compounds include cephalothin, streptomycin, and gentamicin (Hagman and Greko 2005;Inoue et al 2013;Agostinho et al 2014;Lansubsakul et al 2022). A recent retrospective review corroborated these findings in 10 of 16 animals by demonstrating that ampicillin or amoxicillin are effective antimicrobials for cases requiring antibiotic treatment, particularly in dogs exhibiting moderate to severe general depression (Turkki et al 2023).…”

Canine Pyometra: A Short Review of Current Advances

“…This disease is characterized by a bacterial infection in the uterus that results in local and systemic clinical signs [10,12,13]. Although pyometra can occur in dogs ranging from 3 months to 20 years old, it predominantly affects middle-aged to older dogs (Figure 1), with a median diagnosis age of nine years [14][15][16]. The higher incidence of pyometra in middle-aged to older dogs is thought to be associated with repeated estrous cycles.…”

“…6-Administration of steroid hormones increases the risk of pyometra [23][24][25][26]. 7-A higher occurrence of pyometra is seen in animals around seven years of age, but the disease has been described in animals ranging in age from three months to 20 years [14][15][16]23]. Created using BioRender ® (https://www.biorender.com/).…”

“…These drugs, which suppress the sexual receptivity phase in female dogs, have been linked to an increased risk of pyometra and other conditions, including fetal maceration, endometrial and mammary tumors, and insulin resistance [26,33,34]. Hormonal effects, which intensify over time, may account for the higher incidence of pyometra in animals over seven years of age [15,23].…”