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Pyometra in a 13-year-old neutered queen
Vanessa P de Faria1, Gary D Norsworthy
1Veterinary Institute, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. vanessapimente@gmail.com <vanessapimente@gmail.com>
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|November 21, 2007
Summary
A feline uterine horn pyometra caused weight loss in a 13-year-old cat. Surgical removal of the affected uterine horn led to a full recovery, highlighting the importance of recognizing pyometra in neutered female cats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Small Animal Surgery
- Reproductive Pathology
Background:
- Pyometra, a common uterine infection in intact female dogs and cats, typically occurs in older, unspayed animals.
- While less common in neutered animals, uterine stump pyometra can occur following ovariohysterectomy.
- This case presents a rare instance of uterine horn pyometra in a neutered domestic shorthair cat.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old female domestic shorthair cat presented with a four-month history of progressive weight loss.
- Physical examination revealed a palpable mid-abdominal mass.
- Abdominal ultrasonography identified a tubular, fluid-filled structure consistent with a distended uterine horn.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration and excision of the mass confirmed it to be a single, fluid-distended uterine horn.
- Histopathological examination confirmed pyometra of the uterine horn.
- The cat experienced a complete recovery following surgical intervention.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of uterine horn pyometra in neutered female cats, even years after surgery.
- Early recognition and surgical management are crucial for successful outcomes in cases of pyometra.
- Further investigation into predisposing factors for uterine stump pyometra in cats may be warranted.
