Presumptive pyometra leading to a diagnosis of uterine neoplasia in two queens

TLDR: Diagnostic tests, including thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound, should be considered when evaluating middle-aged to older queens suspected of pyometra to screen for evidence of neoplasia and to assess the extent of disease.

Abstract: Uterine tumours are rarely reported in cats. This case report describes two older queens with typical presentations consistent with pyometra. However, histopathology of the uteri diagnosed each case with concurrent uterine neoplasia (endometrial adenocarcinoma and poorly differentiated sarcoma). One cat survived long-term, while the other was suspected to have advanced metastatic disease and pulmonary metastasis on postoperative radiographs after developing respiratory distress. Diagnostic tests, including thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound, should be considered when evaluating middle-aged to older queens suspected of pyometra to screen for evidence of neoplasia and to assess the extent of disease. Histopathological analysis of excised uterine tissue should be recommended to assess for uterine neoplasia in all cats with presumptive pyometra.