Mucometra in bitch as consequence of serious professional mistake

Main Article Content

Miloje Đurić
Ljubomir Jovanović
Milan Aničić
Svetlana Nedić
Sreten Nedić

Abstract

An apathetic 14-year-old Hungarian Puli bitch was presented with a seven day history of vaginal discharge and reported ovariohysterectomy (OHE) conducted six years ago. Clinical examination showed elevated body temperature (39.5°C), enlarged abdomen, and vulvar swelling. Despite a reported OHE in the anamnesis, ultrasound examination of the abdomen demonstrated the presence of both ovaries and a large anechogenic zone resembling the uterus. Vaginal cytologic examination and hormonal analysis indicated that the bitch was in the oestrus phase of the cycle. After laparotomy, both intact ovaries and an enlarged uterus with marked adhesions and filled with liquid content were visualised. The cervix was situated in the caudal part of the abdominal cavity and connected to the uterus by only an adhesion stump. After extirpation, uterus and ovarian tissue samples were sent for histological examination. Histological findings of uterus and ovarian tissue samples indicated a diagnosis of mucometra. Obviously, OHE was not conducted professionally, and the procedure performed only prevented conception, but ovaries and uterus continued to be active and caused a serious health disorder after six years. When only a part of the ovaries or uterus is left after OHE, health complications can appear up to ten years later. Our case testifies that even if both ovaries and the entire uterus are left after OHE without communication with cervix and vagina, a bitch can live without noticeable health disorders up to six years. This underlines the importance of lymphatic drainage and resorption processes in the uterus as well as evacuation of uterus content through the vagina.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Details

How to Cite
Đurić, M., Jovanović, L., Aničić, M., Nedić, S., & Nedić, S. (2017). Mucometra in bitch as consequence of serious professional mistake. Veterinarski Glasnik, 71(2), 107–116. https://doi.org/10.2298/VETGL170322009D
Section
Case Report

References

Ball, R. L., S. J. Birchard, L. R. May, W. R. Threlfall, and G. S. Young. 2010. Ovarian remnant syndrome in dogs and cats: 21 cases (2000-2007). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 236(5): 548-553. doi: 10.2460/javma.236.5.548.

Fingland, R. B. 1998. Ovariohysterectomy. In Current Techniques in Small Animal Surgery (Fourth Edition), edited by M. J. Bojrab, 489-496, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD.

Goethem, B., A. U. K. E. Schaefers Okkens, and J. Kirpensteijn. 2006. Making a rational choice between ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy in the dog: a discussion of the benefits of either technique. Veterinary Surgery 35: 136-143. doi: 10.1111/j.1532950X.2006.00124.x.

Stockner, P. K. 1991. The economics of spaying and neutering: market forces and owners’ values affecting pet population control. Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Associaion 198: 1180-1182.

Stone, A. E. 2003. Ovary and uterus. In Textbook of Small Animal Surgery (Third editon), edited by D. Slatter, 1495-1499, Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.

Wheeler, S. L., M. L. Magne, and J. Kaufmann, J. 1984. Postpartum disorders in the bitch: a review. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practising Veterinarian 6: 493.

Most read articles by the same author(s)