Therapeutic management of pyometra with methylergometrine and cabergoline in bitches - An alternative approach

Canine pyometra is a common reproductive disorder of sexually intact bitches characterized by accumulation of pus in the uterine lumen and it is always associated with vagaries of clinical and pathological manifestations of multisystemic origin.

The present study involved twenty three bitches of 8-13 years of age with pyometra. Diagnosis of pyometra was performed based on the anamnesis, ultrasound examination, hematoglocial and biochemical changes. As an alternate to conventional prostaglandin protocol, Tab. Methylergometrine 0.125 mg/dog (Methergine, Novartis) BID and Tab. Cabergoline @ 10 μg/kg body weight (Cabgolin, Sun Pharma) SID and Tab. Amoxicillin- Clavulinic acid @ 10 mg/kg body weight (Augmentin, Glaxo Smithkline) BID was advised for two weeks. In addition to that supportive fluid therapy and Inj. Pantoprazole @ 1 mg/kg body weight was also administered prior to initiation of treatment protocol. There was a significant clinical recovery in terms of physiological, hematological and biochemical parameters. Ultrasound examination on Day 0, 7, 9 and Day 14 of treatment revealed reduction in the diameter of uterine sacculations. All the bitches recovered after 10 to 15 days with complete evacuation of pus, with no recurrence.

Our investigation revealed that this alternative protocol along with antibiotics and supportive fluid therapy can be a better alternative to young dogs to preserve the reproductive capability and also in geriatric dogs which are unfit for traditional ovariohysterectomy.