Ultrasonography, Affected Age, Hematology and Clinical Signs according to Open or Closed Cervix in Dogs with Pyometra

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate ultrasonographic findings, affected age, hematology, blood chemistry and clinical signs according to open or closed cervix in 102 bitches presented for treatment of pyometra. The prevalence of pyometra according to breed was observed in Maltese 22.5%, Yorkshire Terrier 13.7% and Shih Tzu 12.7%. The mean age of dogs was 9.6 ± 0.3 years, and open cervix pyometra was more prevalent than closed cervix pyometra. Clinical signs included anorexia, vaginal discharge, depression, polyuria/polydipsia, vomiting, and abdominal distension. The concentration of BUN and the activity of ALP in dogs with closed cervix pyometra were significantly higher than those in dogs with open cervix pyometra (p < 0.05). The white blood cell and neutrophils in dogs with closed cervix pyometra were significant higher than those in dogs with open cervix pyometra (p < 0.05). Ultrasonographic findings of the uterus with open or closed cervix pyometra showed variable patterns. The uterine wall was variable in appearance, from thick and irregular to smooth and thin. The uterine wall was thicker in open cervix pyometra than in closed cervix pyometra. The luminal cavity included smaller amount of anechoic fluid in open cervix pyometra than in closed cervix pyometra.