Canine Pyometra: Current Perspectives on Causes and Management – A Review

Abstract

Canine pyometra is a pathological condition of endometrium which results in accumulation of purulent semisolid substance in uterus. Canine pyometra is a sequlae of cystic endometrial hyperplacia (CEH) which results from hormonal imbalance. Despite of enormous veterinary medical research and development, still its main aspect of etio-pathology is not fully known. Canine pyometra is mostly associated with other similar uterine pathological conditions, i.e., hydrometra, mucometra and chronic endomertitis.

Electrocardiographic Findings in Bitches Affected by Closed Cervix Pyometra

“…The disease can be classified as open-cervix or closed-cervix pyometra (CCP), with the latter being more severe [ 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 ]. The causes of pyometra are complex, and a not yet fully understood hormonal component plays an important role [ 1 , 2 , 7 , 8 ]. The administration of estrogen and progestogen seems to make the uterus more vulnerable to infection by opportunistic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

“…The causes of pyometra are complex, and a not yet fully understood hormonal component plays an important role [ 1 , 2 , 7 , 8 ]. The administration of estrogen and progestogen seems to make the uterus more vulnerable to infection by opportunistic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. A healthy uterus normally manages to defend itself effectively from bacteria that have settled when the cervix was open during the estrous phase [ 1 , 2 , 7 ].…”

“…The administration of estrogen and progestogen seems to make the uterus more vulnerable to infection by opportunistic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. A healthy uterus normally manages to defend itself effectively from bacteria that have settled when the cervix was open during the estrous phase [ 1 , 2 , 7 ]. Hormonal alterations in the diestrus or previous uterine pathologies such as endometrial cystic hyperplasia may decrease the uterine clearance of bacteria [ 1 , 2 , 7 , 12 ].…”

“…A healthy uterus normally manages to defend itself effectively from bacteria that have settled when the cervix was open during the estrous phase [ 1 , 2 , 7 ]. Hormonal alterations in the diestrus or previous uterine pathologies such as endometrial cystic hyperplasia may decrease the uterine clearance of bacteria [ 1 , 2 , 7 , 12 ]. Myocardial damage is considered a potentially life-threatening outcome in the course of pyometra due to bacteremia, septicemia, disseminated bacterial infection, endotoxemia, and multiple organ dysfunction [ 1 , 13 ].…”

Pan-hysterectomy for Closed Pyometra in a Dog

“…Canine pyometra is a common affection of the uterus seen usually in intact, sexually mature bitches with signs specific to the reproductive system along with systemic signs. 1 Usually, pus may be filled within the uterus. The hormones, progesterone and estrogen and their receptors have a role in the development of pyometra and the infection is triggered by bacterial involvement.…”