Canine Pyometra

Introduction effects of progesterone on the uterus. The hormonal therapies that include either progesterone for estrous Canine Pyometra is a common reproductive suppression or estrogen for estrous induction or disorder of intact, diestrual bitch which affects nearly pregnancy termination may explain the development of one fourth of all female dogs before they reach ten pyometra in young bitches. Thus estrogen being an years of age . By definition it is the accumulation of pus important factor in young animals and endogenous within the uterine lumen, typically occurring during or progesterone being crucial in older animal. Evidence immediately following a period of progesterone suggests that there is increase risk for pyometra in 1-2 dominance. It can be classified as open cervix or close years old age group due to estrogen administration but cervix pyometra. Closed cervix pyometra is particularly no significant association between progesterone dangerous, so it needs early recognition, diagnosis therapy and pyometra. and appropriate treatment to avoid any disastrous Higher concentration of IGF-1 located in consequences i.e death of patient due to septicemia surrounding epithelial cells of the endometrium in dogs and toxaemia . Despite modern treatment the mortality with may play important role in the development of rate due to pyometra is about 4% . CEH-Pyometra complex. Etiological factors Breed: Breeds reported to be predisposed to pyometra Age : Pyometra occurs at any age after the first estrus, includes the Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Chow Chow, typically a condition of the middle aged to older bitch. Golden Retriever, Miniature Schnaeger, Irish terrier, Reported mean age of 7.25 yrs as young as 4 months Spanish, Callie etc. Breeds with low risk for pyometra to as old as 16 years of age. Spontaneous disease includes Drevers, German Shepherd, Daschunds, occurs most frequently in bitches over 6 yrs of age. It Swedish hounds etc. also affects younger animals with a mean age of Pathophysiology approximately 2 yrs. Parity : Previously it was suggested that nulliparity, Pyometra in the bitch is a hormonally mediated abnormal estrous cycle and pseudopregnancy disease. Prolonged or repeated stimulation of increase the risk of pyometra. But recent literature has endometrium by progesterone produces CEH, if suggested that there is no association between bacterial infection occurs at that time leads to pyometra. pseudopregnancy and abnormal estrus cycle and After ovulation increase progesterone concentration (> pyometra. However there is a modest relationship 40 ng/ml) promotes endometrial (endometrial between nulliparity and pyometra. hyperplasia) growth and glandular secretion leads to accumulation of uterine glandular secretion which Stages of estrous cycle: Most bitches present to provides excellent media for bacterial growth. In the pyometra within 8 weeks of last estrous. However, it progesterone primed uterus leucocyte response to may occur at any stage of estrous cycle or during infection also inhibited. But recent research suggested pregnancy. that CEH and pyometra complex are not necessarily Hormone: Progesterone has a role in initiating the sequent events, but each may develop independently. pathogenesis of cystic endometrial hyperplasia(CEH)In endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial gland Pyometra complex. Endometrial hyperplasia that secretion results in an accumulation of fluid within resulted into CEH caused by progesterone is more lumen of uterus lead to hydrometra or mucometra but pronounced when it has been primed with estrogen. these conditions are sterile. Thus administration of estrogen when progesterone Estrogen by itself doesn't produce CEH but it levels high may predispose bitches to pyometra. enhance the stimulatory effects of progesterone on the Estrogen keeps the cervix relaxed for longer period in uterus. Estrogen induces proliferation of the the luteal phase and also enhancing the stimulatory