Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of medically treated female dogs with cystic endometrial hyperplasia–pyometra complex

Abstract

Monitoring the treatment outcome of canine cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH-P) is essential to identify nonresponding patients who might require a rapid intervention to avoid life-threatening conditions. Uterine artery Doppler characterization may contribute to monitoring medically treated CEH-P, but published studies are currently lacking. Therefore, the aim of this longitudinal prospective observational study was to evaluate uterine artery resistance changes in the medical treatment of female dogs with CEH-P. Twelve diestrous female dogs suffering from CEH-P were treated with a combined protocol of cabergoline, cloprostenol, and antibiotics. The animals were clinically and ultrasonographically evaluated before the beginning of treatment (day 0) and on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The widest transverse diameter and luminal diameter of uterine horns were measured, as well as the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) of uterine arteries. The resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and notch deep index (NDI) were calculated. On day 3, nine of 12 animals showed clinical improvement. In all these female dogs, the widest transverse sectional diameter (P < 0.01), luminal diameter (P < 0.01), PSV (P < 0.01), and EDV (P < 0.01) progressively decreased, while RI (P < 0.01), PI (P < 0.01), and NDI (P < 0.01) increased up to day 21. In nonresponding dogs (3/12), Doppler parameters remained unchanged. Although comparisons of PSV, EDV, and NDI were significantly different, these results should be cautiously interpreted due to the low statistical power. female dogs that responded to this treatment showed an increase in uterine artery resistance, along with clinical and ultrasonographic improvement.

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

“…Both qualitative and quantitative tests can be used to diagnose pyometra. For example, ultrasound can detect small amounts of intrauterine fluid and abnormal changes in the ovaries or uterine tissue (Fleischer 2003;Bigliardi et al 2004;Davidson and Baker 2009;Hagman 2018;Mantziaras and Luvoni 2020;Batista et al 2022). Radiography (X-rays) can also be used identify an enlarged and fluid-filled uterus (Mattei et al 2018).…”