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 F2alpha metabolite 15-ketodihydro-PGF2alpha (PG-metabolite),
progesterone and
oestradiol (E2-17beta) 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
gamma-globulin serum protein electrophoresis fraction and analysis of PG-metabolite can be 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.