Surgical management of pyometra in a miniature sow

Joe Smith; Cassandra Klostermann; Jessica Garcia; Christopher Smith; Matthew Aviles; Eduardo Prado

doi:10.58292/CT.v17.11729

Joe Smith Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4288-2262
Cassandra Klostermann Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8574-6925
Jessica Garcia Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9613-8837
Christopher Smith Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7670-941X
Matthew Aviles Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
Eduardo Prado Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v17.11729

Keywords: Sow, pyometra, surgery, transabdominal ultrasonography

Abstract

An American Miniature pig sow (~ 5-year) was presented for abdominal distention and lethargy of 2 weeks duration. Initial diagnostics revealed distended fluid-filled structures in the caudal abdomen on ultrasonography, and minor alterations in biochemistry and complete blood count profiles. Exploratory laparotomy under general anesthesia revealed a large uterus distended with purulent material; ovariohysterectomy was performed. The uterine horns were friable and inadvertent rupture of the left horn occurred that was managed intraoperatively. Postoperative management included intravenous fluids, antiinflammatory and antimicrobial therapies. Complications encountered during hospitalization were mild hypotension under anesthesia and constipation/ileus during recovery. Culture of the uterine contents revealed mixed growth including Escherichia coli, Schaalia hyovaginalis, and Trueperella abortisuis. The sow was discharged 6 days after surgery and no complications were reported. Comparative management as described for other species was useful in the treatment.

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