Retrospective study on renal alterations in canine pyometra

Abstract

Pyometra is a common and potentially life-threatening reproductive disorder of intact female dogs, frequently associated with systemic inflammation and secondary organ involvement. Renal dysfunction represents one of the most clinically relevant complications and may influence perioperative risk and outcome. This retrospective study evaluated haematological and biochemical alterations in 50 dogs with pyometra at the time of diagnosis and following ovariohysterectomy. At presentation dogs exhibited inflammatory leukograms, mild to moderate anaemia, thrombocytopaenia and biochemical evidence of renal and hepatic involvement, including increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations. Postoperative evaluation demonstrated significant improvement in leukocytosis, platelet counts and partial improvement in renal parameters, although creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values remained above reference ranges in several dogs. These findings indicate that renal dysfunction associated with canine pyometra is frequently at least partially reversible following surgical treatment, while highlighting the importance of continued postoperative renal monitoring.