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Reproduction in Domestic Animals =... Nov 2023Pyometra is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects intact female dogs in their middle to advance age. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are...
Pyometra is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects intact female dogs in their middle to advance age. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical for the survival of patients, especially when pyometra advances to sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic potential of certain haematology, serum biochemical and inflammatory biomarker, secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) for pyometra in bitches (n = 41). Blood samples were collected after clinical diagnosis of pyometra for haematology and serum biochemistry. Based on the prognosis following medical/surgical treatment, animals were retrospectively categorized into survivor (n = 29) and dead (n = 12). Endometrial tissue sections were obtained from the bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy (n = 21). Serum concentration of SLPI was quantified using sandwich ELISA and its expression in the endometrium was investigated using RT-qPCR. A marked increase in the total leucocyte count (TLC), neutrophils, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine was observed in the female dogs that did not survive. Significant elevation in the serum SLPI concentration (3.49 ± 0.44 vs. 2.38 ± 0.13 ng/mL) was observed in the bitches those died after the treatment, in comparison to those survived (p < .01). Additionally, there was a notable upregulation of SLPI in the endometrium in the bitches those died due to pyometra. Based on the ROC analysis results, it was observed that a cut-off concentration of 2.93 ng/mL for SLPI, 27.77 mg/dL for BUN and 16.3 × 10 /μL for TLC could effectively distinguish the prognosis of pyometra-affected dogs. From this study, it can be concluded that upregulation of SLPI in the endometrium and its elevated concentration in peripheral circulation along with TLC and BUN concentration could serve as valuable indicators for predicting the prognosis of pyometra in bitches.
Topics: Humans; Dogs; Animals; Female; Pyometra; Retrospective Studies; Prognosis; Biomarkers; Protease Inhibitors; Secretory Leukocyte Peptidase Inhibitor; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37727883
DOI: 10.1111/rda.14477 -
Theriogenology Dec 2023Feline breeding colonies are important to the feline industry by preserving traits desirable for a particular breed or in research settings by maintaining medically...
Feline breeding colonies are important to the feline industry by preserving traits desirable for a particular breed or in research settings by maintaining medically valuable genetic traits. As breeding females age, their reproductive efficiency declines. The objective of this study was to determine the most common causes of infertility in breeding females that were producing fewer kittens. Knowing the cause and average age of infertility would allow management decisions to be made for the betterment of the colony. The medical records of 70 queens retired from breeding from a single research colony were examined for litter size and number, fertility over their lifespan, and age and reason for removal from breeding stock. Sections of uterus and ovaries were evaluated using gross and histopathological examination for a subset of these queens (46). The data suggests that mature, continuously breeding female cats may show signs of reduced fertility (infertile matings or reduced litter size) as early as 3 years of age and may be a result of undiagnosed Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia (CEH), endometritis, pyometra and/or ovarian cysts. Evaluation of breeding queens should include periodic ultrasounds to monitor for ovarian cysts and evidence of CEH. Retiring animals from breeding once signs of infertility become apparent is recommended.
PubMed: 37717514
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.003 -
Irish Veterinary Journal Sep 2023To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of female genital system infiltration of T-cell lymphoma in veterinary literature.
BACKGROUND
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of female genital system infiltration of T-cell lymphoma in veterinary literature.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 1.5-year-old, intact female Golden Retriever was referred due to melena and hyporexia that lasted for three weeks. Fever (40.5℃), tachycardia, tachypnoea, pale mucous membranes, and purulent vaginal discharge were identified on physical examination. Blood analyses revealed leucocytosis, anaemia, hypoalbuminemia, and increased lactate and C-reactive protein levels. On abdominal radiography, the small intestine was moderately deviated because of an oval-shaped mass (13 cm × 8.7 cm) located in the mid-abdomen. An enlarged tubular-shaped structure that had the opacity of soft tissue located in dorsal to the bladder to the middle of the abdomen, and an oval-shaped mass (5.28 cm × 3.26 cm), which was suspected to be a medial iliac lymph node located at the sixth to seventh lumbar level. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed gas and fluid in the lumen of the uterine horn with a severely thickened wall, round enlarged lymph nodes around the genitourinary system, and free fluid in the abdominal cavity. Based on these results, pyometra was suspected, and an exploratory laparotomy was performed for ovariohysterectomy. The resected ovary and uterus were macroscopically hypertrophied. Histopathological examination of the ovary and uterus revealed neoplastic proliferation of large round cells with strong immunoreactivity for CD3, indicating T-cell lymphoma. Therefore, the young dog was diagnosed with genital lymphoma.
CONCLUSIONS
The present report describes T-cell lymphoma infiltrating the uterus and ovaries in a young dog, which is rarely diagnosed and could aid in the differential diagnosis of genital diseases in young dogs.
PubMed: 37700381
DOI: 10.1186/s13620-023-00252-x -
The Journal of Small Animal Practice Sep 2023Pyometra is common in non-spayed adult female dogs requiring early diagnosis and treatment to increase the survival rate. The diagnosis of pyometra is mainly based on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Pyometra is common in non-spayed adult female dogs requiring early diagnosis and treatment to increase the survival rate. The diagnosis of pyometra is mainly based on clinical examination and anamnesis. Radiography, ultrasonography and laboratory analyses are recommended to support a diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess blood parameters associated with pyometra by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A search of three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar and CAB abstracts) was performed in July 2022. Studies providing information about laboratory parameters for both the pyometra group and healthy control group dogs were eligible for inclusion. Data extraction included the first author's name, publication year, country, number of participants in both groups, mean values of selected studies, standard deviation values, and blood parameters. The risk of bias for each study was evaluated, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed.
RESULTS
We included 44 studies which investigated 12 blood parameters. High heterogeneity was detected in all parameters in these meta-analyses. The following blood parameters were increased in dogs with pyometra: white blood cell (mean=27.75×10 L , mean difference (MD)=17.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 14.85 to 19.47), monocytes (mean=2.06×10 /L, MD=1.37, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.74), blood urea nitrogen (mean=41.42 mg/dL MD=18.06, 95% CI 12.26 to 23.85), alkaline phosphatase (mean=212.78 IU/L, MD=137.51, 95% CI 81.81 to 88.62), and aspartate aminotransferase (mean=48.31 IU/L, MD=16.96, 95% CI 10.61 to 23.30). The following parameters were reduced: red blood cell (mean=5.42 10 /L, MD=-1.37, 95% CI -1.68 to -1.05), haemoglobin (mean=121.20 g/L, MD=-30.57, 95% CI -39.70 to 21.45), albumin (mean=23.71 g/L, MD = -8.16, 95% CI -11.46 to -4.86). Lymphocyte, creatinine, urea, and alanine transaminase parameters were increased in some studies and decreased in others.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
In canine pyometra, some blood parameters are consistently increased, some consistently decreased, and some increased or decreased depending on the study.
Topics: Female; Dogs; Animals; Pyometra; Erythrocytes; Databases, Factual; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37691297
DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13641 -
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Sep 2023Congential amastia, a medical condition in which mammary tissue fails to develop, was detected in a 3-year-old Quarter Horse mare. The dam of the mare was also afflicted...
Congential amastia, a medical condition in which mammary tissue fails to develop, was detected in a 3-year-old Quarter Horse mare. The dam of the mare was also afflicted with amastia, suggesting that the condition was due to an inherited genetic mutation as noted in other species. In addition, on presentation the mare had a purulent vaginal discharge secondary to a pyometra.
Topics: Female; Horses; Animals; Breast Diseases; Horse Diseases
PubMed: 37419397
DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104874 -
Animal Reproduction Science Aug 2023Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) is a regulatory neuropeptide encoded by the SMIM20 gene, which has been implicated in the reproductive cycle by modulating the...
Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) is a regulatory neuropeptide encoded by the SMIM20 gene, which has been implicated in the reproductive cycle by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Recently, we showed that PNX-14 is downregulated in bitches with cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of Smim20, PNX-14, and its putative receptor GRP173 in the canine ovary (both healthy and those with ovarian cysts), periovarian adipose tissue (PAT) and in the endometrium during the oestrous cycle. The expression was analysed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. In tissue sections, peptides were localised by immunofluorescent assays, and blood plasma concentrations of PNX-14 were detected by EIA. The results demonstrated increased levels of PNX in bitches in the anestrus groups compared to diestrus animals. The expression of GPR173 increased in PAT during the diestrus phase and endometrial tissue in late diestrus bitches. In the ovary, strong signals of PNX-14 and GPR173 were detected in the luteal and follicular cells. Furthermore, bitches with cystic ovaries were characterised by elevated circulating PNX levels and a significantly higher expression of PNX and GPR173 in gonadal tissues, when compared with healthy animals. Moreover, a positive correlation between PNX and progesterone in the blood of healthy bitches was noted, which changed to a negative correlation in females affected by cystic ovaries. These studies expand the knowledge regarding the expression and localization of the PNX/GRP173 system in canine reproductive organs during physiological and pathological conditions.
Topics: Female; Animals; Dogs; Neuropeptides; Peptides; Endometrial Hyperplasia; Endometrium; Adipose Tissue; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37356348
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107282 -
BMC Veterinary Research Jun 2023The main aim of this report was to investigate and compare the response of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin, two positive acute phase proteins (APPs) which...
The main aim of this report was to investigate and compare the response of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin, two positive acute phase proteins (APPs) which usually show an increase in inflammatory processes, in dogs with pyometra. For this purpose, two different studies were made. In the first one , both proteins were measured together in an APPs profile in 25 dogs with pyometra, 25 dogs with pancreatitis (as an example of a positive inflammatory control group), and in 25 healthy dogs. In the second study, to advance the knowledge of the changes and evolution of serum ferritin and CRP in dogs with pyometra after treatment, the concentrations of both APPs were analyzed in 30 dogs with pyometra at diagnosis and after ovariohysterectomy and in 10 clinically healthy female dogs before and after elective spaying. In both studies, bitches with pyometra showed significant increases in serum CRP, indicating an inflammatory condition, but not in serum ferritin despite being a moderate positive APP. This divergence between the dynamics of these APPs could be a useful tool for the suspicion of cases of canine pyometra.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Female; Pyometra; C-Reactive Protein; Ferritins; Hysterectomy; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37344860
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03630-3 -
BMC Veterinary Research Jun 2023Pyometra is a common infectious condition, especially in elderly bitches. In addition to an infected uterus, dogs may have concurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). The...
BACKGROUND
Pyometra is a common infectious condition, especially in elderly bitches. In addition to an infected uterus, dogs may have concurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). The preferred treatment is surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus, whereupon the general prognosis is excellent. In addition, antimicrobial therapy is frequently prescribed for postoperative treatment. However, no research exists on the benefit of postoperative antimicrobial treatment in uncomplicated canine pyometra. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major challenge in treatment of bacterial infections. Diminishing overuse of antimicrobial agents is essential for controlling the development of antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans.
METHODS
This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled two-arm clinical trial is designed to compare the incidence of postoperative infections associated with surgical treatment of uncomplicated pyometra followed by two different treatment protocols. For the study, 150 dogs presenting with an uncomplicated pyometra and that are to undergo surgical treatment will be recruited. Dogs with body weight < 3 or > 93 kg, complicated pyometra, primary disease increasing the risk of infection, or immunosuppressive medication will be excluded. All dogs will receive one dose of sulfadoxine-trimethoprim intravenously as an antimicrobial prophylaxis. Postoperatively, dogs will be randomized to receive either a five-day course of placebo or an active drug, sulfadiazine-trimethoprim orally. During the surgery microbiological samples will be taken from urine and uterine content. The follow-up includes a control visit in 12 days and an interview of the owner 30 days after surgery. If bacteriuria is detected at the time of surgery, a urinary sample will be cultured for bacterial growth at the control visit. The primary outcome is the incidence of a postoperative surgical site infection (SSI), and the secondary outcome is the occurrence of clinical UTI with bacteriuria. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed to compare outcome incidences between the treatment groups.
DISCUSSION
Research-based evidence is necessary to create treatment guidelines for judicious use of antimicrobials. The goals of this study are to provide evidence for reducing the use of antimicrobials and targeting the treatment to patients proven to benefit from it. Publishing the trial protocol will increase transparency and promote open science practices.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dogs; Animals; Bacteriuria; Pyometra; Urinary Tract Infections; Bacterial Infections; Trimethoprim; Dog Diseases; Clinical Trials, Veterinary as Topic
PubMed: 37340459
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03629-w -
Animal Reproduction Science Aug 2023The aim of this study was to diagnose pyometra and related sepsis status using cost-effective nutritional-immunological indices, antioxidants, and toxin levels in dogs...
The aim of this study was to diagnose pyometra and related sepsis status using cost-effective nutritional-immunological indices, antioxidants, and toxin levels in dogs and to investigate the utility of the indices in predicting toxin and antioxidant status. A total of 29 dogs were enrolled into the present study. Among these, 9 female dogs in their diestrus stages, were allocated for elective ovariohysterectomy. The pyometra group was also separated into two subgroups as Sepsis (+) and Sepsis (-). Blood samples were collected into two tubes containing EDTA for hematological analysis; without anticoagulant for serum progesterone, LPS concentration, and antioxidant levels at the time of diagnosis. Bacteriological and tissue samples of the uterus were collected after the ovariohysterectomy. Antioxidant activity, progesterone, and toxin concentration were determined by using commercial ELISA kits. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 16.1 and MedCalc 16 statistical software. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used for the threshold for evaluating pyometra and sepsis status. Pairwise comparisons were carried out of the area under the curve (AUC) for thresholds of nutritional immunologic indices (hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, platelet (HALP) score; prognostic nutritional index (PNI); Albumin hemoglobin index (AHI)), serum LPS and antioxidant activity. Linear regression model was used for the estimation of serum LPS and antioxidant activity by using indices. Mean serum progesterone, LPS concentrations, and Nitric Oxide (NO) production were greater, while serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), tissue SOD, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were lower in dogs with pyometra. All nutritional-immunologic indices were lower in pyometra cases. Nutritional-immunologic indices (AUC of HALP:0.759; PNI:0.981; AHI 0.994), NO (AUC: 0.787) and SOD (AUC: 0.784) levels were useful for pyometra diagnosis. AHI and LPS were useful for the determination of sepsis status with the AUC values of 0.850 and 0.740, respectively. While AHI was useful for the estimation of serum LPS and NO concentration (p < 0.001), PNI was useful for serum SOD concentration (p = 0.003). In conclusion, PNI, HALP and AHI can be used in the diagnosis of pyometra, however, only AHI and LPS levels can be used in the diagnosis of sepsis. SOD and NO can be used to determine pyometra but have no effect on determining sepsis status. Additionally, the estimation of the levels of serum LPS, NO, and SOD activities can be done using the AHI and PNI values.
Topics: Dogs; Female; Animals; Pyometra; Antioxidants; Escherichia coli; Lipopolysaccharides; Progesterone; Nutrition Assessment; Sepsis; Albumins; Superoxide Dismutase; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37300916
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107276 -
The Veterinary Clinics of North... Sep 2023Pyometra is a common disease in intact bitches and queens and occurs, although less frequently, in most other female pets. In bitches and queens, the illness is... (Review)
Review
Pyometra is a common disease in intact bitches and queens and occurs, although less frequently, in most other female pets. In bitches and queens, the illness is generally diagnosed within 4 months after estrus, in middle-aged to older individuals. Complications such as peritonitis, endotoxemia, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome are not uncommon and associated with more severe illness. Ovary-sparing surgical options such as hysterectomy could be considered in individuals with high-risk for detrimental side effects of spaying or without infection of the uterus but has not yet been evaluated for safety in pyometra.
Topics: Dogs; Female; Animals; Pyometra; Dog Diseases; Uterus; Hysterectomy; Ovariectomy
PubMed: 37270345
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.04.009