Nonpuerperal chronic endometritis with pyometra causing systemic illness in a production sow
Keywords:
Sow, Pyometra, Endometritis, Transabdominal Ultrasonography
Abstract
A second parity, late pregnant, commercial mixed-breed sow was examined on a farm with a 5-day history of inappetence and lethargy that was unresponsive to treatment with flunixin meglumine. Clinical signs were suspected due to an enlarged, fluid-filled hollow abdominal organ identified via transabdominal ultrasonography. Further characterization of abdominal viscera and fluid was limited by the sensitivity of the imaging equipment. Flunixin meglumine was discontinued and a dietary supplement was added to the feed to encourage intake. Repeat transabdominal ultrasonography was performed 4 days later due to a lack of improvement with worsening lethargy, continued inappetence, and fever. The sow was euthanized because of poor prognosis, chronicity of disease, and lack of pregnancy. On necropsy, the uterine horns measured 20 cm in diameter and occupied ~ 80% of the abdominal cavity, compressing the intestines and liver. The uterine lumen contained watery, turbid fluid. The left ovary had multiple grossly appreciable corpora lutea, and right ovary had multiple corpora albicantia. Although uterine disease is poorly defined in swine, based on the gross and histologic findings this sow was diagnosed with nonpuerperal chronic endometritis with intrauterine accumulation of purulent fluid (consistent with pyometra). Additionally, the sow was diagnosed with salpingitis, interstitial nephritis, lymphadenitis, and gastric ulceration, all likely contributing to her declining health and systemic illness.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
1. Muirhead M: Epidemiology and control of vaginal discharges in the sow after service. Vet Rec 1986;119:233–235. doi: 10.1136/vr.119.10.233
2. Kauffold J, Rautenberg T, Hoffmann G, et al: A field study into the appropriateness of transcutaneous ultrasonography in the diagnoses of uterine disorders in reproductively failed pigs. Theriogenology 2005;64:1546–1558. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.03.022
3. Heinonen M, Leppavuori A, Pyorala S: Evaluation of reproductive failure of female pigs based on slaughterhouse material and herd record survey. Anim Reprod Sci 1998;52:235–244. doi: 10.1016/s0378-4320(98)00105-5
4. D’allaire S, Stein TE, Leman AD: Culling patterns in selected Minnesota swine breeding herds. Can J Vet Res 1987;51:506–512.
5. Anil S, Anil L, Deen J: Evaluation of patterns of removal and associations among culling because of lameness and sow productivity traits in swine breeding herds. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;226:956–961. doi: 10.2460/javma.2005.226.956
6. Wang C, Wu Y, Shu D, et al: An analysis of culling patterns during the Breeding Cycle and lifetime production from the aspect of culling reasons for gilts and sows in southwest China. Animals 2019;9:1–9. doi: 10.3390/ani9040160
7. Grahofer A, Björkman S, Peltoniemi O: Diagnosis of endometritis and cystitis in sows: use of biomarkers. J Anim Sci 2020;98:S107–S116. doi: 10.1093/JAS/SKAA144
8. Kauffold J, Althouse GC: An update on the use of B-mode ultrasonography in female pig reproduction. Theriogenology 2007;67:901–911. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.12.005
9. Foster RA: Female reproductive system and mammae. In: Zachary JF, McGavin MD, editors. Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease. 6th edition, St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2017, p. 1147–1193.
10. Schlafer DH, Foster RA: Female genital system. In: Maxie MG, editor. Jubb, Kennedy, and Palmer’s Pathology of Domestic Animals, volume 3. 6th edition, St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2016, p. 358–464.
11. Knox R V, Althouse GC: Visualizing the reproductive tract of the female pig using real-time ultrasonography. J Swine Health Prod 1999;7:207–215.
12. Dadarwal D, Palmer C: Postpartum uterine infection. In: Hopper RM, editor. Bovine Reproduction. 1st edition, Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc; 2014, p. 639–654. doi: 10.1002/9781118833971
13. Concannon PW: Reproductive cycles of the domestic bitch. Anim Reprod Sci 2011;124:200–210. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.028
14. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz M V, Olson PNS: Disorders of the canine uterus and uterine tubes (oviducts). In: Canine and Feline Theriogenology. 1st edition, Philadelphia, PA, USA: Saunders; 2001, p. 206–224.
15. Lu KG: Pyometra. In: McKinnon AO, Squires EL, Vaala WE, et al, editors. Equine Reproduction, volume 2. 2nd edition, Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell; 2010, p. 2652–2654.
16. Fangman TJ, Shannon MC: Diseases of the puerperal period. In: Youngquist RS, Threlfall WR, editors. Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology. 2nd edition, St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2007, p. 784–788. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7216-9323-1.X5001-6
17. Garzon A, Habing G, Lima F, et al: Defining clinical diagnosis and treatment of puerperal metritis in dairy cows: a scoping review. J Dairy Sci 2022;105:3440–3452. doi: 10.3168/jds.2021-21203
18. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz M V, Olson PNS: Periparturient disorders in the bitch. In: Canine and Feline Theriogenology. 1st edition, Philadelphia, PA, USA: Saunders; 2001, p. 129–145.
19. Brinsko SP, Blanchard TL: Manual of equine reproduction. St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby/Elsevier; 2011.
20. Björkman S, Oliviero C, Kauffold J, et al: Prolonged parturition and impaired placenta expulsion increase the risk of postpartum metritis and delay uterine involution in sows. Theriogenology 2018;106:87–92. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.10.003
21. Dalin AM, Kaeoket K, Persson E: Immune cell infiltration of normal and impaired sow endometrium. Anim Reprod Sci 2004;82–83:401–413. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2004.04.012
22. Angela T. Gifford, Janet M, et al: Histopathologic findings in uterine biopsy samples from subfertile bitches: 399 cases (1990–2005). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014;244:180–186. doi: 10.2460/javma.244.2.180
23. Dial GD, MacLachlan NJ: Urogenital Infections of Swine. Part I. Clinical Manifestations and Pathogenesis. Compendium Food Animal 1988;10:63–70.
24. Martinez E, Vazquez JM, Roca J, et al: Use of real-time ultrasonic scanning for the detection of reproductive failure in pig herds. Anim Reprod Sci 1992;29:53–59. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(92)90019
25. Althouse GC, Kauffold J, Rossow S, et al: Diseases of the reproductive system. In: Zimmerman JJ, Karriker LA, Ramirez A, et al: editors. Swine Reproduction. 11th edition, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc; 2019, p. 373–393.
26. de Winter P, Verdonck M, de Kruif A, et al: Bacterial endometritis and vaginal discharge in the sow: prevalence of different bacterial species and experimental reproduction of the syndrome. Anim Reprod Sci 1995;37:325–335. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(94)01342
27. Tummaruk P, Kesdangsakonwut S, Prapasarakul N, et al: Endometritis in gilts: reproductive data, bacterial culture, histopathology, and infiltration of immune cells in the endometrium. Comp Clin Path 2010;19:575–584. doi: 10.1007/s00580-009-0929-1
28. Kauffold J, Peltoniemi O, Wehrend A, et al: Principles and clinical uses of real-time ultrasonography in female swine reproduction. Animals 2019;9:1–17. doi: 10.3390/ani9110950
29. de Winter PJJ, Verdonck M, de Kruif A: Endometritis and vaginal discharge in the sow. Anim Reprod Sci 1992;28:51–58. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(92)90091
30. Dalin AM, Gidlund K, Eliasson-Selling L: Post-mortem examination of genital organs from sows with reproductive disturbances in a sow-pool. Acta Vet Scand 1997;38:253–262. doi: 10.1186/BF03548488
31. Kaeoket K, Persson E, Dalin AM: The sow endometrium at different stages of the oestrous cycle: studies on morphological changes and infiltration by cells of the immune system. Anim Reprod Sci 2001;65:95–114. doi: 10.1016/s0378-4320(00)00211-6
32. Meile A, Nathues H, Kauffold J, et al: Ultrasonographic examination of postpartum uterine involution in sows. Anim Reprod Sci 2020;219:1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106540
33. Stiehler T, Heuwieser W, Pfutzner A, et al: The course of rectal and vaginal temperature in early postpartum sows. J Swine Health Prod 2015;23:72–83.
34. Valour F, Sénéchal A, Dupieux C, et al: Actinomycosis: etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Infect Drug Resist 2014;7:183–197. doi: 10.2147/IDR.S39601
35. Aalbaek B, Christensen H, Bisgaard M, et al: Actinomyces hyovaginalis associated with disseminated necrotic lung lesions and slaughter pigs. J Comp Pathol 2003;129:70–77. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9975(03)00005-7
36. Schumacher VL, Hinckley L, Gilbert K, et al: Actinomyces hyovaginalis-associated lymphadenitis in a Nubian goat. J Vet Diagn Invest 2009;21:380–384. doi: 10.1177/104063870902100315
2. Kauffold J, Rautenberg T, Hoffmann G, et al: A field study into the appropriateness of transcutaneous ultrasonography in the diagnoses of uterine disorders in reproductively failed pigs. Theriogenology 2005;64:1546–1558. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.03.022
3. Heinonen M, Leppavuori A, Pyorala S: Evaluation of reproductive failure of female pigs based on slaughterhouse material and herd record survey. Anim Reprod Sci 1998;52:235–244. doi: 10.1016/s0378-4320(98)00105-5
4. D’allaire S, Stein TE, Leman AD: Culling patterns in selected Minnesota swine breeding herds. Can J Vet Res 1987;51:506–512.
5. Anil S, Anil L, Deen J: Evaluation of patterns of removal and associations among culling because of lameness and sow productivity traits in swine breeding herds. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;226:956–961. doi: 10.2460/javma.2005.226.956
6. Wang C, Wu Y, Shu D, et al: An analysis of culling patterns during the Breeding Cycle and lifetime production from the aspect of culling reasons for gilts and sows in southwest China. Animals 2019;9:1–9. doi: 10.3390/ani9040160
7. Grahofer A, Björkman S, Peltoniemi O: Diagnosis of endometritis and cystitis in sows: use of biomarkers. J Anim Sci 2020;98:S107–S116. doi: 10.1093/JAS/SKAA144
8. Kauffold J, Althouse GC: An update on the use of B-mode ultrasonography in female pig reproduction. Theriogenology 2007;67:901–911. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.12.005
9. Foster RA: Female reproductive system and mammae. In: Zachary JF, McGavin MD, editors. Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease. 6th edition, St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2017, p. 1147–1193.
10. Schlafer DH, Foster RA: Female genital system. In: Maxie MG, editor. Jubb, Kennedy, and Palmer’s Pathology of Domestic Animals, volume 3. 6th edition, St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2016, p. 358–464.
11. Knox R V, Althouse GC: Visualizing the reproductive tract of the female pig using real-time ultrasonography. J Swine Health Prod 1999;7:207–215.
12. Dadarwal D, Palmer C: Postpartum uterine infection. In: Hopper RM, editor. Bovine Reproduction. 1st edition, Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc; 2014, p. 639–654. doi: 10.1002/9781118833971
13. Concannon PW: Reproductive cycles of the domestic bitch. Anim Reprod Sci 2011;124:200–210. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.028
14. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz M V, Olson PNS: Disorders of the canine uterus and uterine tubes (oviducts). In: Canine and Feline Theriogenology. 1st edition, Philadelphia, PA, USA: Saunders; 2001, p. 206–224.
15. Lu KG: Pyometra. In: McKinnon AO, Squires EL, Vaala WE, et al, editors. Equine Reproduction, volume 2. 2nd edition, Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell; 2010, p. 2652–2654.
16. Fangman TJ, Shannon MC: Diseases of the puerperal period. In: Youngquist RS, Threlfall WR, editors. Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology. 2nd edition, St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2007, p. 784–788. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7216-9323-1.X5001-6
17. Garzon A, Habing G, Lima F, et al: Defining clinical diagnosis and treatment of puerperal metritis in dairy cows: a scoping review. J Dairy Sci 2022;105:3440–3452. doi: 10.3168/jds.2021-21203
18. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz M V, Olson PNS: Periparturient disorders in the bitch. In: Canine and Feline Theriogenology. 1st edition, Philadelphia, PA, USA: Saunders; 2001, p. 129–145.
19. Brinsko SP, Blanchard TL: Manual of equine reproduction. St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby/Elsevier; 2011.
20. Björkman S, Oliviero C, Kauffold J, et al: Prolonged parturition and impaired placenta expulsion increase the risk of postpartum metritis and delay uterine involution in sows. Theriogenology 2018;106:87–92. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.10.003
21. Dalin AM, Kaeoket K, Persson E: Immune cell infiltration of normal and impaired sow endometrium. Anim Reprod Sci 2004;82–83:401–413. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2004.04.012
22. Angela T. Gifford, Janet M, et al: Histopathologic findings in uterine biopsy samples from subfertile bitches: 399 cases (1990–2005). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014;244:180–186. doi: 10.2460/javma.244.2.180
23. Dial GD, MacLachlan NJ: Urogenital Infections of Swine. Part I. Clinical Manifestations and Pathogenesis. Compendium Food Animal 1988;10:63–70.
24. Martinez E, Vazquez JM, Roca J, et al: Use of real-time ultrasonic scanning for the detection of reproductive failure in pig herds. Anim Reprod Sci 1992;29:53–59. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(92)90019
25. Althouse GC, Kauffold J, Rossow S, et al: Diseases of the reproductive system. In: Zimmerman JJ, Karriker LA, Ramirez A, et al: editors. Swine Reproduction. 11th edition, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc; 2019, p. 373–393.
26. de Winter P, Verdonck M, de Kruif A, et al: Bacterial endometritis and vaginal discharge in the sow: prevalence of different bacterial species and experimental reproduction of the syndrome. Anim Reprod Sci 1995;37:325–335. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(94)01342
27. Tummaruk P, Kesdangsakonwut S, Prapasarakul N, et al: Endometritis in gilts: reproductive data, bacterial culture, histopathology, and infiltration of immune cells in the endometrium. Comp Clin Path 2010;19:575–584. doi: 10.1007/s00580-009-0929-1
28. Kauffold J, Peltoniemi O, Wehrend A, et al: Principles and clinical uses of real-time ultrasonography in female swine reproduction. Animals 2019;9:1–17. doi: 10.3390/ani9110950
29. de Winter PJJ, Verdonck M, de Kruif A: Endometritis and vaginal discharge in the sow. Anim Reprod Sci 1992;28:51–58. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(92)90091
30. Dalin AM, Gidlund K, Eliasson-Selling L: Post-mortem examination of genital organs from sows with reproductive disturbances in a sow-pool. Acta Vet Scand 1997;38:253–262. doi: 10.1186/BF03548488
31. Kaeoket K, Persson E, Dalin AM: The sow endometrium at different stages of the oestrous cycle: studies on morphological changes and infiltration by cells of the immune system. Anim Reprod Sci 2001;65:95–114. doi: 10.1016/s0378-4320(00)00211-6
32. Meile A, Nathues H, Kauffold J, et al: Ultrasonographic examination of postpartum uterine involution in sows. Anim Reprod Sci 2020;219:1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106540
33. Stiehler T, Heuwieser W, Pfutzner A, et al: The course of rectal and vaginal temperature in early postpartum sows. J Swine Health Prod 2015;23:72–83.
34. Valour F, Sénéchal A, Dupieux C, et al: Actinomycosis: etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Infect Drug Resist 2014;7:183–197. doi: 10.2147/IDR.S39601
35. Aalbaek B, Christensen H, Bisgaard M, et al: Actinomyces hyovaginalis associated with disseminated necrotic lung lesions and slaughter pigs. J Comp Pathol 2003;129:70–77. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9975(03)00005-7
36. Schumacher VL, Hinckley L, Gilbert K, et al: Actinomyces hyovaginalis-associated lymphadenitis in a Nubian goat. J Vet Diagn Invest 2009;21:380–384. doi: 10.1177/104063870902100315
Published
2023-12-01
How to Cite
Morris C., Watson K., Schwartz D., & Pereira R. (2023). Nonpuerperal chronic endometritis with pyometra causing systemic illness in a production sow. Clinical Theriogenology, 15. https://doi.org/10.58292/ct.v15.9806
Issue
Section
Case Reports
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright of their work, with first publication rights granted to Clinical Theriogenology. Read more about copyright and licensing here.
