Pyometra in Bitches Induces Elevated Plasma Endotoxin and Prostaglandin F2(alpha) Metabolite Levels

R. Hagmanʹ, H. Kindahl2, A.-S. Lagerstedtʹ= Pyometra in bitches induces elevated Aplasma endotoxin and prostaglandin F20 metabolite levels. Ada vet. scand. 2006, 47, 55-68. - Endotoxemia in bitches with pyometra can cause severe systemic effects di­rectly or via the release of inflammatory mediators. Plasma endotoxin concentrations were measured in ten bitches suffering from pyometra with moderately to severely de­teriorated general condition, and in nine bitches admitted to surgery for non-infectious reasons. Endotoxin samples were taken on five occasions before, during and after surgery. In addition, urine and uterine bacteriology was performed and hematological, blood biochemical parameters, prostaglandin F, metabolite 15-ketodihydro-PGF,,, (PG-metabolite), progesterone and oestradiol (E,-I 7(i) levels were analysed. The results confirm significantly increased plasma levels of endotoxin in bitches with pyometra and support previous reports of endotoxin involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease_ Plasma concentrations of PG-metabolite were elevated in pyometra bitches and provide a good indicator of endotoxin release since the concentrations were signif­icantly correlated to the endotoxin levels and many other hematological and chemistry parameters. The -y-globulin serum protein electrophoresis fraction and analysis of PG-metabolite can he valuable in the diagnosis of endotoxin involvement if a reliable, rapid and cost-effective test for PG-metabolite analysis becomes readily available in the fu­ture. Treatment inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis and related compounds could be beneficial for bitches suffering from pyometra.