ijvp

Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology

0250-47580973-970X

Indian Association of Veterinary Pathologists

ijvp-40-3-abs001

ABSTRACTS OF DISSERTATIONS OR ARTICLES

Pathological and Bacteriological Studies on Canine Pyometra

Bassessar

Varun

¹Verma

Yamini

Dr.¹

¹Degree/Year: M.V.Sc/2009 Name of the University: Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur

192016

403293293

2016

IndianJournals.com

The present work was undertaken to study the pathology of canine pyometric uterus correlating with the bacteria isolated from the uterine discharge and conducting antibiogram of the bacterial isolates. Twenty female dogs irrespective of their age or breed were selected for the present study after a presumptive diagnosis of pyometra. The diagnosis was based on history, clinical examination, laboratory parameters and ultrasonography. Six intact animals admitted for elective ovariohysterectomy were used as a control group. All the animals had common clinical finding of lethargy, depression, inappetence, anorexia, polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, pale visible mucous membrane and abdominal distension.

Blood samples for examination were collected from the 20 animals with a presumptive diagnosis of pyometra. Blood was also collected from control group of animals. Pyometra was found in animals between age group of 3–10 years; however the maximum cases of pyometra were noticed at 4 years of age. The results of haematological studies comprising haemoglobin estimation (HG, g/dl), total erythrocyte count (TEC, millions/μl) Packed cell volume (PCV, %) Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH, picogram), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC, g/dl), Total leukocyte count (TLC, thousands/μl) and differential leukocyte count (DLC, %) revealed marked anaemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and elevated number of band cells. However, there were significant elevation of serum ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin and BUN, but decrease in protein and albumin concentration was observed.

The vaginal discharges from the 20 pyometric dogs were collected aseptically for microbiological examinations. The discharge was streaked on simple and enriched media (Blood and MacConkey′s agar), incubated at 37°C for 24–72 hours. Growths suspected to be of salmonella were further cultured on Brilliant green Agar for their proper identification. The isolated colonies were identified on basis of morphology, staining, cultural and biochemical characteristics. In addition, the discharges were simultaneously streaked on Sabouraud′s

Agar to know the presence of fungi. The predominant bacterium isolated from uterine exudates was Escherichia coli (11), followed by Staphylococcus (5) Salmonella (4) and Pseudomonas (2). In three cases a mixed infection of Aspergillus, Malassezia and E. coli was also noted. The antibiogram of 20 uterine samples showed that gentamicin was the most sensitive antibiotic (85%) followed by enrofloxacin (65%) and oxytetracycline (15%) with least inhibitory action.

Grossly, the uteri of control animals appeared of normal shape and size. Only in two cases above 8 years of age, slightly distended uterine horn were observed. However, no abnormal content was observed in the uterine lumen. The uteri of all pyometric animals were grossly dilated and the uterine horns were enlarged with engorged serosal veins. Lumen of 10 uteri contained serosanguineous fluid, 6 contained creamy colour thick and viscous pus, whereas 3 uteri contained chocolate coloured fluid and in one uterus, slimy mucus fluid was observed. Uteri of all eight cases from which E coli was isolated showed endometrial gland atrophy with almost no endometrial cysts. Myometrial hyperplasia, hemorrhage, neutrophils and plasma cell infiltration were predominantly seen. In two uteri from this group extensive areas of hemorrhages were noticed.

Severe infiltration of the neutrophils and extensive areas of degenerated neutrophils overshadowed any other histological change in the uteri from two animals with staphylococci in the uterine exudates. In animal having mixed Staphylococci and Escherichia infection also neutrophil infiltration and degeneration were mainly seen. Areas of haemorrhages involving the myometrium were also noticed. The histological features of the three cases from which mixed infection of bacteria, fungi and yeast were isolated comprised areas of fibroblast proliferation and greatly thickened endometrium. The pathogenicity trail of Escherichia coli as the predominant bacterium isolated from uterine exudates was conducted in albino rats. Marked septicemia and degenerative changes in liver, kidney and intestine were observed on day 7 & 14 of sacrifice.

Thus, it was concluded that canine pyometra is mainly caused by bacterial infections and Escherichia coli is the most prevalent bacteria associated with pyometra in this region. Gentamicin was found to be most effective against all the pathogens isolated from uterine exudates. The involvement of liver and kidney in pyometra is a usual feature. The Escherichia coli isolated can infect other species as evidenced by pathogenicity trails conducted in rats.