A Retrospective Study on Canine Pyometra and Hydrometra in Central Taiwan

Abstract

The 100 cases in this study include 6% (6/100) malpractice hysterectomy-induced hydrometra, 1% (1/100) C-section with pyometra complication , 2% (2/100) innate abnormality of uterine horns, 1% (1/100) stump pyometra and 90% (90/100) general pyometra. Data collected from records included breed, age, time since last estrous cycle, clinical signs, blood analysis, bacteriologic examination, ultrasonography and pathologic examination. Bacteria were isolated from 97% (97/100) of the specimens; Escherichia coli was isolated from 77 specimens, Citrobacter sp from four. Salmonella sp, Streptococcus sp, Klebsiella sp and Staphylococcus sp from three; as well as Pseudomonas sp and Proteus sp from two. Ultrasound diagnosis of dogs with pyometra showed that both utreine horns contained hypoechoic materials and some hyperechoic materials. Both uterine horns were significantly enlarged. Congestion, hyperemia and edema were seen in the endometrium of both uterine horns. Histological examination of uterine horns showed congestion, hyperemia and chronic inflammatory cells infiltration. The ultrasound diagnosis of dogs with hydrometra showed that both uterine horns contained hypoechoic materials. Transparent fluid was found in the uterus. The endometrium of uterine horns was normal. Histological examination of uterine horns showed that the endometrium was normal and there was no inflammatory cell infiltration. The uterine horns of dogs with pyometra or hydrometra had blood supply revealed by color Doppler diagnostic ultrasound examination. However, no blood supply was found with stump pyometra.