Optimum timing for operation in bitches with pyometra related to endotoxemia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of endotoxin in bitches with pyometra and to investigate the effects of preoperative supportive therapy on plasma endotoxin levels (LPS), the complete blood count, serum biochemistry parameters (alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, urea, and creatinine), clinical health status at the 12th, 24th, and 48th h following presentation, and to explore if they were correlated. Randomly allocated into 2 equivalent groups were 20 bitches with pyometra, aged from 3 to 16 years (mean 9.15 +/- 3.65 years). After collection of the samples, bitches in ovariohysterectomy without premedical supportive therapy (group OH) were operated on without delay. Bitches in ovariohysterectomy with premedical supportive therapy (group M) were operated on with a 48 h delay. Bitches with pyometra receiving supportive therapy had no significant difference in endotoxin levels (P < 0.001), total blood counts, or serum biochemical parameters, which were evaluated along with food intake and activity scores during the 2 day period. There was a moderate positive correlation between LPS (endotoxin) and WBC (white blood cell), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and creatinine levels and a moderate negative correlation between LPS, activity, and food intake scores at the 12th h evaluation. In conclusion, against the probability of high levels of circulating endotoxins in pyometra cases, bitches must undergo surgery at an optimum time, which is thought to be within 12 h of supportive therapy.