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Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Nov 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of sex steroid receptors and redox mediators in the uterus of domestic cats with pyometra.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of sex steroid receptors and redox mediators in the uterus of domestic cats with pyometra.
METHODS
Twelve cats were used and divided into groups: (1) non-gestational healthy diestrus (n = 7) and (2) pyometra (n = 5). The plasma profiles of estradiol and progesterone (P) as well as uterine expression levels of estradiol alpha (ERα), progesterone (PR) and androgen (AR) receptors, of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), and of the oxidative damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were evaluated.
RESULTS
Cats with pyometra showed higher plasma P levels and increased uterine messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of ERα and PR, mainly in the glandular epithelium for ERα and in stromal and myometrial cells for PR. In addition, there was an increase in 8-OHdG immunostaining and GPX1 mRNA and protein expression in cats with pyometra compared with those in non-gestational diestrus, while catalase showed a reduction in endometrial immunostaining in cats with pyometra. There were no differences in uterine AR and SOD1 expression between the groups.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
The findings of this study showed that pyometra is associated with oxidative stress in the uterus of domestic cats and alterations of the profile of sex steroid receptors, especially ERα and PR, and of antioxidant enzymes, suggesting that changes in these mediators may play a role with the etiopathogenesis of this disease.
Topics: Female; Cats; Animals; Receptors, Progesterone; Pyometra; Progesterone; Catalase; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Antioxidants; Superoxide Dismutase-1; Uterus; Estrogens; Estradiol; Oxidation-Reduction; RNA, Messenger; Cat Diseases
PubMed: 38018511
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X231170159 -
Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound : the... Nov 2023Pyometra is a prevalent disease in intact bitches and the standard treatment is ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Published descriptions of normal sonographic findings after OHE...
Pyometra is a prevalent disease in intact bitches and the standard treatment is ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Published descriptions of normal sonographic findings after OHE are currently lacking. The aims of this prospective observational study were to describe and compare postoperative abdominal sonographic features for three timepoints following OHE in a group of dogs with pyometra and an uneventful recovery. A total of 22 dogs had sequential focused abdominal ultrasound examinations on days 1, 4-6, and 10-15 postsurgery. Recorded sonographic features for each examination time point and characteristics of the cervical stump and the mesovarium, size, and echogenicity of medial iliac lymph nodes (MILNs), presence of free peritoneal fluid, and pneumoperitoneum. The cervical stump appeared as a heterogenous area with a hypoechoic center surrounded by hyperechogenic tissue in all dogs. The cervical stump transverse-sectional area was larger on day 4-6 compared with day 1 and day 10-15 (P = .0009). Mesovarium ligature reactions were identified as heterogeneous and hyperechoic areas with central and/or edge shadowing in all dogs. The size and echogenicity of MILNs and the mesovarium reactions did not significantly differ among time points. Free peritoneal fluid was detected in 45%, 41%, and 9% and pneumoperitoneum in 95%, 82%, and 14% of dogs at sequential time points. Findings from this sample of dogs with an uneventful recovery following OHE due to pyometra can be used to assist veterinarians in interpreting postoperative abdominal ultrasonographic characteristics in future dogs treated surgically for pyometra.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Female; Abdomen; Dog Diseases; Hysterectomy; Pneumoperitoneum; Pyometra; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 37985867
DOI: 10.1111/vru.13310 -
Veterinarni Medicina Apr 2023The authors present two cases of borderline ovarian tumours with microinvasion in bitches with variable clinical significance. The first case documents...
The authors present two cases of borderline ovarian tumours with microinvasion in bitches with variable clinical significance. The first case documents a four-year-old female Weimaraner diagnosed with a tumour on the right ovary during a veterinary check-up, using ultrasound (USG) examination, which was then surgically removed. Histological examination revealed a clear cell borderline tumour of the ovary with microinvasion. The second case is represented by a necropsy sample from a 52-month-old female German Shepherd who died a day before the planned hysterectomy due to undertreated pyometra. During necropsy, a developed bilateral ovarian tumour was found. An additional histological examination revealed a serous borderline tumour with microinvasion of both ovaries. This paper discusses the histopathological and clinical aspects involved in the prognosis of borderline ovarian tumours in bitches. This concerns the possibility of a change for a more aggressive behaviour of these tumours and their immunohistochemical profile, then the risk of implant metastases and, finally, the time point of diagnosis, intervention, and therapy. Even histologically verified well-differentiated forms of borderline ovarian tumours with microinvasion in bitches can show the variable clinical significance and, therefore, in similar cases, only a good or only a bad prognosis of the disease should not be expected.
PubMed: 37982087
DOI: 10.17221/103/2022-VETMED -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Oct 2023Pyometra, characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus, is the most prevalent reproductive disease in canines. While the disease often begins with... (Review)
Review
Pyometra, characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus, is the most prevalent reproductive disease in canines. While the disease often begins with mild local symptoms, it can escalate into peritonitis, sepsis, and multi-organ dysfunction, thereby posing a significant threat to life. Despite the high incidence and recognized significance of canine pyometra, gaps persist in our understanding of its epidemiology, etiology, and pathogenesis. Recent studies have, however, broadened our comprehension of this disease, shedding light on potential new infection sources, etiologies, and the application of clinical predictive biomarkers and new therapeutic protocols. This study aimed to review the current understanding of canine pyometra, with particular emphasis on the latest research concerning its etiology and epidemiology. Furthermore, it addressed key research questions and proposed directions for future investigations into various facets of canine pyometra.
PubMed: 37958065
DOI: 10.3390/ani13213310 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Mar 2024To compare results for surgery time, perioperative pain, need for rescue analgesia, variables, serum C-reactive protein concentration, and postoperative complications...
OBJECTIVE
To compare results for surgery time, perioperative pain, need for rescue analgesia, variables, serum C-reactive protein concentration, and postoperative complications for dogs with pyometra treated with laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy (LaOVH) versus open-surgery (OS) ovariohysterectomy.
ANIMALS
12 client-owned dogs with pyometra between June 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019.
METHODS
Dogs enrolled in this prospective single-center randomized clinical trial had pyometra confirmed by history, physical examination, ultrasonography, and blood work and were randomly assigned to treatment group LaOVH or OS. Differences in results for variables of interest were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test, except the number of dogs requiring rescue analgesia was analyzed using the Fisher exact test. Values of P ≤ .05 were considered significant.
RESULTS
6 dogs were recruited in each group; results for 1 dog in the LaOVH group were excluded from further analysis due to free abdominal fluid detected during surgery. Median surgery time was significantly shorter and median total incision length was longer for the OS group (23 minutes; 106 mm), compared to the LaOVH group (37 minutes; 38 mm). No other results differed significantly between groups.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Although fewer patients in the LaOVH group required rescue analgesia, this was not statistically significant. Therefore, our results could not prove previously suggested advantages of LaOVH (eg, less perioperative pain or faster recovery) in dogs with pyometra. Additionally, for the LaOVH group, the median surgical time was approximately 50% longer, an assistant was needed, and specialized equipment was required.
Topics: Female; Dogs; Animals; Ovariectomy; Pyometra; Prospective Studies; Laparoscopy; Hysterectomy; Pain; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37944246
DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.08.0467 -
Life Science Alliance Jan 2024To identify functional differences between vertebrate clathrin light chains (CLCa or CLCb), phenotypes of mice lacking genes encoding either isoform were characterised....
To identify functional differences between vertebrate clathrin light chains (CLCa or CLCb), phenotypes of mice lacking genes encoding either isoform were characterised. Mice without CLCa displayed 50% neonatal mortality, reduced body weight, reduced fertility, and ∼40% of aged females developed uterine pyometra. Mice lacking CLCb displayed a less severe weight reduction phenotype compared with those lacking CLCa and had no survival or reproductive system defects. Analysis of female mice lacking CLCa that developed pyometra revealed ectopic expression of epithelial differentiation markers (FOXA2 and K14) and a reduced number of endometrial glands, indicating defects in the lumenal epithelium. Defects in lumen formation and polarity of epithelial cysts derived from uterine or gut cell lines were also observed when either CLCa or CLCb were depleted, with more severe effects from CLCa depletion. In cysts, the CLC isoforms had different distributions relative to each other, although they converge in tissue. Together, these findings suggest differential and cooperative roles for CLC isoforms in epithelial lumen formation, with a dominant function for CLCa.
Topics: Humans; Female; Animals; Mice; Clathrin Light Chains; Pyometra; Cell Line; Protein Isoforms; Cysts
PubMed: 37923360
DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302175 -
Theriogenology Jan 2024Despite the high frequency and clinical relevance of canine pyometra, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, the clinical data, histopathological...
Despite the high frequency and clinical relevance of canine pyometra, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, the clinical data, histopathological alterations, and microbiological findings of 39 dogs with pyometra were analyzed to assess possible associations. The mean age of the affected animals was 9.6 ± 3.8 years; 76.3 % (29/38) had open cervix pyometra, 88 % (22/25) had tachypnea, 71 % (27/38) had anorexia, and 60.5 % (23/38) had leukocytosis. Histopathological analysis revealed that 66.5 % (26/39) of the uteri had a high degree of inflammation (score 4). Third-degree hyperplasia of the endometrial epithelium (72 %, 28/39) and intralesional or intrauterine bacteria (66.5 %, 26/39) were identified in most animals. Bacterial isolates were obtained from 82 % (32/39) of the uterine contents and five bacterial species were identified. Escherichia coli, classified in phylogroup B2, is associated with virulent adhesion genes (fimH, focG, and papC), and serum resistance (traT) was the most common isolate. There was an association between the detection of papC in E. coli isolates and higher necrosis scores. Additionally, the necrosis score was positively associated with the length of hospitalization, with each point increase in the necrosis score leading to two more days of hospitalization. These results suggest that papC-positive E. coli play an important role in the severity of pyometra in dogs. The present study revealed the possibility of using this virulence gene to better understand the prognosis of the disease in an affected animal.
Topics: Female; Dogs; Animals; Pyometra; Escherichia coli; Virulence; Prognosis; Necrosis; Dog Diseases; Endometrial Hyperplasia
PubMed: 37865019
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.007 -
Reproductive Biology Dec 2023Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra syndrome is the most common uterine pathological condition reported in breeding bitches, however, their described effects...
Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra syndrome is the most common uterine pathological condition reported in breeding bitches, however, their described effects on fertility are limited to uterine disorders and conception rates. As the preantral follicle population represents the available reserve of gametes recruited during the lifespan, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CEH-pyometra syndrome on the: (i) preantral follicle morphology, (ii) developing follicle rates, and (iii) preantral follicle and stromal cell densities. Ovarian fragments from bitches subjected to elective or therapeutic ovariohysterectomy were allocated according to uterine diagnosis as follows: control (n = 7, clinically healthy), CEH-mucometra (n = 8, uterine lumen filled with a sterile mucus), and pyometra (n = 17, presence of a purulent mucus) groups. Overall, the control group had 3.4 and 4.1-fold higher probability (P < 0.0001) of the presence of normal preantral follicles compared with CEH-mucometra and pyometra groups, respectively. Moreover, ovarian fragments from the pyometra group showed an increase in the percentage of developing follicles (P < 0.05) compared to the control. Both CEH-mucometra and pyometra groups showed lower (P < 0.05) preantral follicle and stromal cell densities (P < 0.05) compared to the control. In summary, the CEH-pyometra syndrome decreased the percentage of morphologically normal follicles and enhanced the developing follicle rates. Additionally, a reduction of preantral follicle and stromal cell densities suggests that the inappropriate uterine environment induced by CEH-pyometra syndrome can lead to premature depletion of ovarian reserve.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dogs; Animals; Endometrial Hyperplasia; Pyometra; Uterus; Ovary; Ovarian Follicle
PubMed: 37832392
DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100813 -
Pyometra in a sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps): surgical treatment and postoperative complications.The Journal of Veterinary Medical... Nov 2023A 7-year-old female sugar glider showed a well-defined, homogeneous, hypoechoic mass in the caudal abdominal cavity on ultrasound. Exploratory laparotomy revealed both...
A 7-year-old female sugar glider showed a well-defined, homogeneous, hypoechoic mass in the caudal abdominal cavity on ultrasound. Exploratory laparotomy revealed both uteri were severely dilated by viscous, purulent exudate. The patient underwent ovariohysterectomy with removal of bilateral vaginal canals. Antibiotic therapy was initiated postoperatively. Histopathological findings were consistent with suppurative metritis, leading to a clinical diagnosis of pyometra. Despite abscess formation in the uterine stump or central vaginal canal and bilateral renal pelvic/ureter dilations postoperatively, the sugar glider survived more than 270 days. Unfortunately, surgical and medical treatments performed in this case did not prove curative. The outcome of this case highlights the importance of further accumulation of cases to define more appropriate therapies for pyometra in sugar gliders.
Topics: Animals; Female; Pyometra; Postoperative Complications; Uterus; Suppuration; Sugars
PubMed: 37793836
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0117 -
BMC Veterinary Research Sep 2023Sepsis is a condition characterized by organic dysfunction, leading to hemodynamic instability and high morbidity and mortality rates in humans and animals. Early...
BACKGROUND
Sepsis is a condition characterized by organic dysfunction, leading to hemodynamic instability and high morbidity and mortality rates in humans and animals. Early identification of perfusion changes and appropriate management of sepsis are crucial for improving patient prognosis. Currently, the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores are widely studied for sepsis identification and evaluation of organ dysfunction. However, these scores do not assess gastrointestinal involvement, which is common in this condition. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and Doppler have been considered promising diagnostic techniques for detecting changes in vascularization and microcirculation in a non-invasive and safe manner, particularly in the gastrointestinal system. This study aimed to evaluate duodenal perfusion using CEUS, as well as abdominal aortic and cranial mesenteric artery blood flow using Doppler ultrasound, and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) in 17 bitches with pyometra and in 10 healthy animals.
RESULTS
The variables were compared between the pyometra and control groups, as well between patients with and without sepsis determined by the SOFA or SIRS scores. Pyometra was found to cause a reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow volume, aortic peak systolic velocity, and resistivity index as evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. Patients with sepsis according to the SOFA criteria only presented lower SAP. In contrast, sepsis animals identified by the SIRS score exhibited lower SAP, aortic peak systolic velocity, aortic blood flow volume, and aortic resistivity index and additionally, higher peak intensity of contrast in the duodenal wall.
CONCLUSIONS
Pyometra causes a reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow, which is more pronounced in animals with sepsis identified by the SIRS criteria. These animals also exhibited a decrease in systolic blood pressure and an increase in duodenal perfusion, as evident by CEUS. However, these changes were not observed in patients with sepsis identified by the SOFA criteria. The alterations in intestinal perfusion observed in animals with sepsis indicate the presence of inflammation or dysfunction. In this regard, CEUS proves to be a valuable technique for detecting subtle changes in tissue hemodynamics that may not be apparent in conventional exams.
Topics: Female; Humans; Animals; Dogs; Pyometra; Sepsis; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome; Ultrasonography, Doppler; Prognosis; Perfusion; Retrospective Studies; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37777757
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03747-5