Etiopathology and Blood Biochemistry Alterations in Canine Pyometra: A Review

Abstract

Canine pyometra is the condition characterized with accumulation of pus/purulent secretions in the uterus of bitches mostly during progesterone dominant phase. It may occur in any breed at any age but nullipara animals of age more than 4-6 years predisposes most. Disease is generally characterized with cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Increased progesterone, good endometrial secretory environment for bacterial growth, bacterial invasion (most promptly E. coli) etc. are key etiological factors. Released endotoxins and synchronized pathogenesis lead to organ damage, altered blood-biochemistry with enzymatic profile with variety of clinical symptoms as mucopurulent vaginal discharge, polyurea, polydypsia, vomition, hyperthermia followed by hypothermia and in more severe case death may occur. Altered blood biochemistry includes increased BUN, hyperproteinemia and hyperglobinemia, elevated level of urea nitrogen, creatinine, total plasma cholesterol, mild to moderate elevation in Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkalinephosphatase (ALP) and plasma progesterone concentration etc. These etiopathological factors and altered blood biochemical parameters may prove beneficial in diagnosis and prognosis of the case on the basis of which one can adopt better strategies to treat and manage the cases of canine pyometra.