Introduction

• Usually develops within 1 week of parturition (also abortion or mating).
• Cause: uterine contamination with bacteria, no underlying endocrine change (unlike pyometra Pyometra).
• Signs: vaginal discharge: sanguinous to purulent. Pyrexia, anorexia, depression, tenesmus and agalactia.
• Treatment: broad-spectrum antibiotics, supportive, follow-up hysterectomy.
• Prognosis: guarded depending on condition of queen. Potentially fatal if uterus ruptures.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Usually ascending bacterial infection: gram-negative organisms, eg Escherichia coli Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp Streptococcus spp and Corynebacterium spp Corynebacterium.

Predisposing factors

General

• Poor uterine tone (dystocia Dystocia: fetal Dystocia: maternal, large litters).

Specific

• Contamination of uterus during manipulation for relief of dystocia Dystocia: fetal Dystocia: maternal.
• Retained placenta/kittens Retained fetal membranes / retained fetus.
• Fetal death.

Pathophysiology

• Escherichia coli Escherichia coli.
• Proteus spp.
• Staphylococcus spp Staphylococcus spp.
• Streptococcus spp Streptococcus spp.
• Other gram-negative and gram-positive vaginal commensals.
• Vaginal commensals   →   uterus   →   proliferate in lochia   →   endotoxin release   →   :
  • Interference with ADH (see pyometra complex)   →   dehydration, uremia Uremia.
  • Pathogen chemotaxis   →   neutrophilia   →   pooling of neutrophils in uterus   →   left-shift leukogram.

Timecourse

• Usually within 1 week of parturition (or other predisposing event).

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outcomes