Pyometra in a jungle cat: Necropsy and histopathology findings

Abstract

Pyometra is a lethal disease characterized by the accumulation of pus within the uterus. The condition is commonly reported in dogs and has been reported captive large felids, but it has not been documented in the jungle cat (Felis chaus). This article presents an analysis of necropsy and histopathology findings from a geriatric female jungle cat afflicted with pyometra at the Zoological Garden, Trivandrum. The cat, which had been undergoing treatment for poor health, collapsed in the zoo hospital, prompting further investigation. Postmortem examination revealed a distended uterus filled with greenish thick cheesy material, alongside morphological changes in the kidney, epicardial blood vessels and the lungs exhibiting areas of emphysema and atelectasis. Histopathology confirmed pyometra. The death of the jungle cat was attributed to cardiopulmonary failure and renal dysfunction, presumably due to toxaemia associated with pyometra. This case report emphasizes the importance of considering pyometra as a potential differential diagnosis in felids, particularly in cases involving reproductive or systemic health issues. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first documentation of closed cervix pyometra in jungle cats, supported by histopathological evidence.