A Retrospective Study of Pyometra in Canines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijar.2025.46.02.12Keywords:
Canine, Pyometra, Retrospective studyAbstract
The present study has been undertaken to investigate the prevalence of pyometra and document variation in breed and age of dogs vis-à-vis pyometra through a retrospective study. Data pertaining to all dogs presented for treatment of pyometra between 2016 and 2021 were gathered from electronic records maintained at University Veterinary Hospital. During the study period, a total of 4502 dog outpatient caseloads having reproductive problems were presented in the hospital, out of which 336 dogs suffered from pyometra, resulting in a prevalence of 7.5 percent. Within breed, the prevalence was higher in Saint Bernard (71.4%), Tibettan Mastiff (54.5%) and Dalmation (43.7%) and lower in Golden Retriver (5.0%) and German Shephard (3.4%). The age at presentation was lower in Tibettan Mastiff (1.5±0.5 years) and Pug (2.9±0.4 years) and higher in Dalmation (10.5±0.5 years) and Pomeranian (7.4±1.4 years) breeds of dogs. Neutrophilia (95.8%), anemia (87.7%), leukocytosis with left shift and increased levels of alkaline phosphatase (96.7%), blood urea nitrogen (75%) and creatinine (84.2%) appeared to be characteristic hematological and biochemical findings, respectively in pyometra. Maximum caseloads were presented during spring (32.7%), followed by autumn (20.5%), summer (16.9%), monsoon (16.7%) and winter (13.0%). The most common complication associated with pyometra included kidney malfunction (84.2%). Ovariohysterectomy is the treatment of choice in most caseloads (86.6%). The overall incidence of mortality due to pyometra was 12.2 percent. Vaginal swab bacteriological examination revealed the predominance of Escherichia coli (66.7%). These observations serve to highlight the importance of public awareness regarding pyometra in canines.
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