The cystic
endometrial hyperplasia and
pyometra complex is one of the most common
uterine diseases in bitches. The appearance of pharmacological preparations containing anti-
progestagens created new possibilities for
pyometra treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the curative effect of the anti-
progestagen aglepristone treatment of
pyometra in bitches of different ages. Twenty four bitches of different breeds, aged from 0.8 to 9.5 years (21-48 kg) exhibiting clinical
pyometra symptoms (two groups - I < or = 5 years, n = 14 and II >5 years, n = 10) were evaluated. Information about the general reproductive health was collected up to 54 months after anti-
progestagen treatment. Remission of clinical symptoms and return of blood chemistry results and total leucocyte count to referential values were achieved in all cases within 14 days of treatment. Bitches were naturally mated at the first, and when unsuccessful, the second oestrus
after treatment. In group I, no recurrence of
pyometra symptoms was observed during following cycle(s). Eight bitches (57.1%) had a full-term pregnancy and the number of newborn pups ranged from 1 to 12. None of the bitches from the group II became pregnant. In conclusion, the basic indication for conservative pharmacological treatment of
pyometra is preserving female fertility and obtaining offspring. The important conditions for successful
aglepristone treatment are: the young age (up to 5 years) and the lack of detectible
ovarian cysts. It seems necessary to mate bitches in the first or second oestrus after finishing treatment. The efficacy of treatment can be measured by the
after-treatment pregnancy rate.