A Retrospective Study of Pyometra in Canines

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.