Pyometra in a Bitch Following Placement of a Deslorelin Implant

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex, by definition, is the accumulation of purulent material within the uterine lumen of intact bitches, typically occurring during or immediately following a period of progesterone dominance (1, 2). Pyometra is a common disease of adult intact female dogs (3). The mean age of diagnosis is 6-8 years, with a range of 4 to 18 years (4). Ageand breed-related differences in the occurrence of the disease indicate that some breeds are more prone to its development compared to others, and that age and familial predisposition may be present (5). Clinical signs of pyometra depend on the condition of the cervix. With open-cervix pyometra the most common clinical finding is a malodorous, sanguineous to mucopurulent vaginal discharge. In contrast, bitches with closedcervix pyometra are generally very ill at presentation, with no evidence of vulvar discharge, with affected bitches often dehydrated, septicemic, toxemic, and in shock (1). Surgical ovariohysterectomy is the primary and preferred method of treatment in all pyometra cases, unless preservation of fertility is desired (6). Medical treatment with compounds that remove the effects of progesterone, promote expulsion of uterine debris, and dilate the cervix, such as Aglepristone (Alizin®, Virbac, Carros, France), in combination with antimicrobials, is optional in some pyometra cases to preserve fertility. The probability of recurrence of Pyometra in a Bitch Following Placement of a Deslorelin Implant