Pyometra in a puppy after first oestrus

Abstract

AbstractA 7‐month‐old, female, entire Maltese × Shih Tzu × Bichon Frise puppy was presented for vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetence and lethargy. On physical examination, abdominal pain and purulent vulvar discharge was noted. Vital signs were within normal limits. Abdominal radiographs and abdominal ultrasound revealed an enlarged, fluid‐filled uterus. Ovariohysterectomy was performed, and pyometra was confirmed on histopathology of the uterus. The puppy made a full recovery with no complications. This case report aims to raise awareness among readers that pyometra can occur independently in puppies in the absence of underlying cystic endometrial hyperplasia and highlights the importance of visual inspection of the external genitalia during physical examination, especially in entire animals.