Canine Flash Notes - Pyometra

Question 1

what are the 3 classic case presentations of pyometra?

Answer 1

1. sick intact older bitch older than 4 years in diestrus (under the influence of progesterone), 2. sick intact younger bitch with a history of injections with either estrogens or progestins, or, 3. sick intact bitch or queen with history of estrus in last 2 months

Question 2

what are common clinical signs seen with pyometras?

Answer 2

lethargy, depression, dehydration, anorexia, pu/pd, vomiting, & fever - purulent vaginal discharge

Question 3

what type of pyometra is a surgical emergency?

Answer 3

closed pyometra

Question 4

what is the test of choice for diagnosing a pyometra?

Answer 4

abdominal ultrasound - will differentiate between a large, fluid filled uterus vs pregnancy - can also do an abdominal rad, but rads can’t diagnose pregnancy if under 45 days of gestation

Question 5

when is medical treatment used for prometra? what does it include?

Answer 5

only with valuable breeding animal - PGF2a with a dopamine agonist or progesterone antagonist, transcervical endoscopic cath, TECT hastens uterine evacuation, & after medical treatment, breed dog at next cycle to prevent recurrence

Question 6

what treatment is recommended for pyometra?

Answer 6

surgical OHE, iv fluids, broad spectrum antibiotics (bactericidal), & pain management

Question 7

what is the prognosis for pyometra?

Answer 7

good with OHE or successful medical treatment

Question 8

T/F: after successful medical treatment for open pyometra in 90% of bitches & 70% of queens are fertile

Answer 8

TRUE

Question 9

T/F: you should advise an owner that there is a 70% recurrence rate of pyometra within 2 years

Answer 9

TRUE