Volume 59 (2009) Issue: 2009 No#2-3

The comparative evaluation of serum biochemical, haematological, bacteriological and clinical findings of dead and recovered bitches with pyometra in the postoperative process

Author(s): Küplülü S, Vural MR, Demirel A, Polat M, Akçay A

Keywords:bacteriology, blood chemistry, canine pyometra, clinical signs, haematology, prognosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis, the risk status and the death reasons in dead and recovered bitches with pyometra after the operative approach by comparing serum biochemical, and haematological parameters, as well as bacteriological and clinical findings. Bitches with pyometra (n=30) were ovariohysterectomized. Eight bitches that died after the ovariohysterectomy formed Group 1 and the rest, which recovered, was Group 2. In addition, 10 healthy bitches were used as the reference for haematological and biochemical parameters. It was found that the level of band neutrophils in Group 1 was higher than 10% and there was lymphopenia along with a marked monocytosis resulting in a highly negative correlation (r=-0.74). There were significant differences (p<0.01) between Group 1 and 2 for BUN, creatinine and BUN/creatinine ratio. Also, the increased serum BUN and creatinine levels were significantly correlated (rs = 0.605 and rs = 0.514, respectively). A significant tendency was apparent for increasing mortality in bitches with pyometra whose BUN levels were over 30 mg/dL (odds ratio=23.80) and creatinine levels above 1.5 mg/dL (odds ratio=7.518). Clinical signs and bacteriological findings did not lead to marked differences between the groups. In pyometra cases, the elderly azotemic dogs having higher BUN and creatinine concentration, would more likely succumb within 3 days after surgery. It may be concluded that the increased BUN concentrations may serve as a reliable prognostic predictor.