Pyometra with Inguinal Herniation in a Dachshund Dog

Introduction Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH) is the most frequent and important endometrial disorder in bitches, the exact pathogenesis of which is still unknown (1). CEH is an abnormal response of the bitch's uterus to ovarian hormones (10) and is considered by many authors to be an exaggerated response of the uterus to chronic progestational stimulation during the luteal phase of the estrus cycle, causing an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the endometrial glands and uterine lumen (3). In many cases of CEH secondary bacterial infections occur causing pyometra (1). Sutton et al. (14) reported the occurrence of pyometra when manipulating estradiol benzoate for preventing unwanted pregnancy and Byers et al. (2) adviced pyometra in a dog with uterine inguinal herniation which is generated persistent ischemia of uterus causing early fetal resorption. Inguinal hernias are infrequently documented in dogs and the causes of inguinal heniation in small animals are poorly understood. Inguinal hernias are most often seen in middle-age, intact females (6). Omentum is the most common organ present in canine inguinal hernias (13). Uterus often is located in the hernias of affected intact females (6). These hernias often are chronic and do not cause clinical signs until pregnancy or pyometra develops (5). This report is described pyometra with inguinal herniation in a Dachshund dog.