Case of the month: 8-year-old female spayed European Shorthair cat with vaginal discharge and elevated body temperature
Signalment and anamnesis
- 8-year-old female spayed European Shorthair cat with vaginal discharge for the last 5 days and anorexia since yesterday
- Physical examination revealed elevated body temperature (39.5° C/103.1 F)
For further clarification the following radiographs were taken:
Radiographic description
- A pear-shaped mass is visible in the caudal abdomen, tapering toward the pelvic inlet
- The mass measures approximately five vertebral body lengths and displaces the descending colon dorsally, the urinary bladder ventrally, and the small bowel loops cranially
- Abdominal contrast detail is normal, with no evidence of peritoneal fluid or peritonitis. The surrounding bony structures are unremarkable
Diagnosis
- Given the age, history and clinical exam findings, stump pyometra is most likely in this patient
Above: uterus stump
Below: urinary bladder
Outcome
- Ovarian remnants and stump pyometra were sonographically and surgically confirmed and removed
Discussion
- Uterine stump pyometra is a common complication associated with ovarian remnant ("ovarian remnant syndrome") after ovariohysterectomy, or after administration of progestogens
- Ovarian remnant syndrome is usually diagnosed in spayed females with recurrent oestrus
- Therapy should include complete surgical removal of the remaining ovarian tissue and abnormal uterus
Many thanks to Dr. ECVDI Thorsten Rick for this case report!
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