Pyometra Associated With Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius in Two Bitches

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Canine Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common commensal bacterium on dog skin and mucosae.
• It typically causes skin, eye, and ear infections in dogs.

Observation:

• This report details two cases of pyometra in female dogs (bitches) associated with S pseudintermedius.
• One 6-year-old Pomeranian died from pyometra with septic shock, showing severe purulent endometritis.
• A 2-year-old West Highland White Terrier presented with peritonitis, found to have pyometra caused by S pseudintermedius with uterine and mesometrial necrosis.

Findings:

• Histopathology confirmed S pseudintermedius as the causative agent in both pyometra cases.
• The bacterium was identified within purulent exudate and inflamed tissues of the uterus and surrounding abdominal cavity.
• Findings indicate S pseudintermedius can lead to severe uterine infections and systemic complications like septic shock and peritonitis.

Implications:

• S pseudintermedius should be recognized as a potential etiological agent for canine pyometra.
• This expands the known spectrum of diseases caused by this common canine bacterium.
• Further investigation into the pathogenesis of S pseudintermedius-induced pyometra is warranted.