A study of surgical complications of ovariohysterectomy and pyometra in the bitch and cat

Altarifi, Abdel Rahman H. (1980) A study of surgical complications of ovariohysterectomy and pyometra in the bitch and cat. MVM(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The literature on surgical complications of ovariohysterectomy and pyometra in the dog and cat is reviewed by considering first the aetiopathogenesis of pyometra, its diagnosis and different types of treatment, followed by the immediate and delayed complications which may develop during and after surgery. The role of suture materials in post-operative complications is also reviewed. The causes of death in pyometra cases admitted to Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital during the last eight years were studied. Use of laboratory tests aids the recognition of the mast suitable treatment for pyometra cases before and after the operation. Fluid therapy was used when necessary to improve renal function and to correct hypovolsmia. Dextrose saline was administered in 4 cases and Lactated Ringer's in another 4, One case needed whole blood transfusion (500 ml). Radiography was used in all the cases of pyometra both to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the degree of uterine enlargement. In 12 cases the uterus was grossly enlarged and this was easily detected on radiography. In 8 other cases the uterus was only slightly enlarged at laparotomy, but it was not detected as enlarged on radiography. Cultural examinations were carried out on the uterine content of 19 dogs and 1 cat which underwent ovariohysterectomy for pyometra. The examinations revealed a pure culture of E. coli in 12 dogs, a mixed growth of E, coli and 5, aureus in 1 and a mixture of E. coli and B-haemolytic, group G streptococci from another. No bacterial growth was found in 5 dogs. Bacteriology of the abdominal cavity during pyometra operation was evaluated in 19 dogs and 1 cat by examination of bacterial swabs which were taken from the abdominal cavity before and after removal of the uterus, from the uterine stump and both ovarian pedicles. Bacterial growth was found only in 3 cases where a mixture of anaerobic bacteria, Haemophilus canis and E. coli was isolated from the uterine stump. No bacterial growth was found from the other swabs. A pure culture of E, coli was isolated from the uterine content of one cat. In the majority of pyometra cases wound problems were the most common complications. In dogs with pyometra, care should be taken to correct fluid and electrolyte loss in dehydrated cases, and in animals with a high blood urea;, surgery is not recommended until it returns to normal. Post-operative care is important following pyometra surgery; the animal should be kept warm and fluid therapy such as dextrose saline, plasma, or blood transfusion in anaemic cases should be given if necessary. The routine ovariohysterectomy operation is contra-indicated in. bitches in oestrus. Chromic catgut suture material should be used fbr ovarian pedicle and uterine body ligatures. Care should be taken in ligating the ovarian and uterine vessels to prevent haemorrhage.

• Item Type: Thesis (MVM(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine > Veterinary Biosciences
• Supervisor's Name: Lawson, Professor Donald D.
• Date of Award: 1980
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1980-83062
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 02 Aug 2022 12:34
• Last Modified: 02 Aug 2022 12:34
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.83062
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/83062