Prospective Study

Clinical parameters as predictors of bacterial isolation in the uterine content of dogs suspected of pyometra

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Abstract

In this study, female canines referred with clinical signs consistent with pyometra were prospectively evaluated. Signalment, clinical signs, laboratory findings and surgical findings were compared between dogs with and without bacterial isolation based on aerobic techniques. Patients with positive bacterial isolation were placed in the pyometra group, whereas patients with negative bacterial isolation were grouped as mucometra. A total of 140 dogs (118 with pyometra and 22 with mucometra) met the inclusion criteria. Prereferral antibiotic administration was associated with a prolonged duration of clinical signs in the patients of the pyometra group (12 ± 2 days versus 7 ± 1 days; P=0.006). In the pyometra patients, clinical signs, like pyrexia, anorexia and discomfort on abdominal palpation, were observed more commonly than in the mucometra group. The total leukocyte count was the only parameter that differed significantly between the two groups (P=0.01). Although no difference in color and consistency of the uterine fluid was noted, the uteri of the pyometra group were heavier (851.80 ± 800.30 g compared to 263.50 ± 297.10 g). E. coli was the most commonly isolated bacterium (92/123).

How to Cite:

Kitshoff, A. & van Goethem, B. & Boyen, F. & Tas, O. & Polis, I. & de Rooster, H., (2015) “Clinical parameters as predictors of bacterial isolation in the uterine content of dogs suspected of pyometra”, Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift 84(4), 188-196. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/vdt.v84i4.16594