Clinical laboratory findings, vaginal cytology and pathology in a controlled study of pyometra in cats

Abstract

Pyometra was diagnosed in 17 cats with a mean (+/-SE) age of five years. The most common signs detected by owners included vaginal discharge, anorexia and lethargy. Main clinical findings on physical examination were vaginal discharge, abdominal distention and dehydration. During ultrasonographic examinations, the uteri in cats with pyometra appeared as hypoechoic and anechoic areas with linear and disordered tubular structures. Cats with pyometra were found to have normocytic, normocromic anaemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and thrombocytopaenia. In cats with pyometra, decreased ALT levels were recorded compared to the results from healthy cats. Increased parabasal cell density was detected in vaginal cytology. Histopathologic diagnosis of pyometra was classified as types III and IV and most of the ovaries had corpi lutea.