Reproductive tract infection caused by Kocuria kristinae in an entire female sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps)

Abstract

The presence of a cloaca in the reproductive tract of marsupials may predispose them to ascending infections. A 7-year-old, entire, female sugar glider presented with abdominal swelling. Whole-body radiographs and abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass in the abdomen. Initial treatment included meloxicam, buprenorphine and subcutaneous fluids. Abdominal exploratory surgery revealed a severe purulent distention of the reproductive tract with multiple adhesions to the intestines, both ureters, urinary bladder and spleen. Because reproductive tissue removal was not feasible, an incision in the mass was performed, the pus aspirated and it was flushed with saline. A biopsy of the affected tissue was indicative of chronic suppurative endometritis. The microbiological culture and biochemical characterisation revealed Kocuria kristinae. The animal was discharged with azithromycin for 1 month and there were no complications over the ensuing 9-month period. This pathogen should be considered in the differential diagnosis of reproductive tract infections in female sugar gliders.

Gross Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System of Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps)

“…Given the technical complexity of the surgery, the animal's small size [34], and the fact that it has not been confirmed to have a favourable impact on their health [28], to avoid unwanted gestations in this species, only males are usually neutered [34]. However, due to the presence of the cloaca, which connects the urogenital and digestive tracts, this species is relatively prone to ascending infections from the cloaca, which can cause vaginitis and metritis [35]. Sometimes, these pathologies can be resolved conservatively [35].…”

“…However, due to the presence of the cloaca, which connects the urogenital and digestive tracts, this species is relatively prone to ascending infections from the cloaca, which can cause vaginitis and metritis [35]. Sometimes, these pathologies can be resolved conservatively [35]. However, when removal of the female genitalia (ovary-vagina-hysterectomy) is necessary for medical reasons, careful consideration should be given to the course of the ureters, isolating their last section from the ipsilateral lateral vagina.…”

Pyometra in a sugar glider (<i>Petaurus breviceps</i>): surgical treatment and postoperative complications

“…Female reproductive diseases have been poorly documented in sugar gliders [ 4 , 9 , 10 ]. Bassan et al recently reported reproductive tract infection including the uterus and central and lateral vaginal canals caused by Kocuria kristinae in an entire female sugar glider [ 1 ]. A spontaneous pathological study of the gray short-tailed opossum ( Monodelphis domestica ) revealed a few cases affected by female reproductive diseases, such as metritis, uterine cyst and endometritis [ 6 , 9 ].…”

“…Removal of the female reproductive tract is not a common procedure for reproductive control in sugar gliders because either vasectomy or castration is preferred as surgical method and no evidence recommends elective alteration of the female sugar glider for health benefits [ 10 , 11 , 13 ]. Surgical intervention for female reproductive disease for therapeutic purposes in this species has thus been poorly reported due to the low morbidity of female reproductive disease [ 1 , 10 , 11 , 13 , 14 ]. As a result, the appropriate extent of surgical removal for female infectious reproductive disease remains open to debate.…”