Of 95 reproductive tracts from postpartum bitches, 20 had subinvolution of the placental sites. Grossly, the placental sites were hemorrhagic and about twice the size of normal sites at the same time after parturition. Microscopically, large masses of collagen, hemorrhage and dilated endometrial glands were in the endometrial sites. The myometrium was invaded in many areas by trophoblast-like cells from the endometrium. Variations in the size of placental sites in the same uterus were found in eight cases, and histological variations in the involution process in five. Invasion of the myometrium by trophoblast-like cells four days after parturition was seen in one bitch.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/030098588101800208

Involution Abnormalities in the Postpartum Uterus of the Bitch

An 18-month-old, intact female German shepherd dog was presented for evaluation of severe, frank hemorrhage from the vulva. A complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and urinalysis supported acute hemorrhage. Abdominal radiographs were unremarkable. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated that the uterine body and cranial vaginal lumen were fluid-filled and contained hyperechoic, polypoid masses that were suspected to be blood clots. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a mildly enlarged uterus with a diffuse, cystic endometrium; significant amounts of blood and blood clots within the lumen; and several focal accumulations of yellow fluid presumed to be a purulent exudate. Histopathology confirmed severe, cystic, endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra complex.

Severe hematometra in a dog with cystic endometrial hyperplasia/pyometra complex.

An adult, intact female Australian shepherd presented for frank vaginal bleeding of unknown duration. The only coagulation profile abnormality upon presentation was mild prolongation of the partial thromboplastin time (PTT). The uterus was removed at surgery and contained a large amount of coagulated blood. Clotting profiles were markedly abnormal 48 hours postoperatively. Serum analysis was positive for brodifacoum, an anticoagulant rodenticide. Preoperative coagulation was most likely normalized by vitamin K1 therapy administered prior to presentation. The only manifestation of anticoagulant rodenticide was hematometra. Rodenticide intoxication should be considered in the differential diagnosis list of hematometra or metrorrhagia.

Hematometra secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity

The current report describes an unusual presentation of uterine endometrial polyp with severe hemorrhage and cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in a 9.5-year-old female Doberman Pinscher. The dog presented with a 2-day history of bloody discharge from the vulva and an enlarged abdomen. The postmortem examination revealed a markedly distended right uterine horn with a large pedunculated mass (17 cm x 9 cm x 4 cm) and blood. Based on the histological findings, the diagnosis of uterine endometrial polyp was made.

https://vdi.sagepub.com/content/22/3/455.full.pdf

K. Arbeiter

Papers

The use of progestins in the treatment of persistent uterine hemorrhage in the postpartum bitch and cow: a clinical report.