Pyometra in a Dutch rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Case report

Authors

  • Dandara Francys Rohr Bastos Bastos Hospital veterinário Birds e Cia https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6727-9047
  • Arthur da Costa de Azevedo Azevedo Hospital veterinário Birds e Cia
  • Ellen Mônica Mariano de Souza Souza Hospital veterinário Birds e Cia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1702-5086
  • Felipe Victório de Castro Bath Bath Hospital veterinário Birds e Cia
  • Rafaela Rodrigues Almeida Ribeiro Ribeiro Hospital veterinário Birds e Cia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9094-7952
  • Sofia Basílio Sampaio Sampaio Hospital veterinário Birds e Cia
  • Tainá Silva da Rocha Rocha Hospital veterinário Birds e Cia /NIAAS
  • katia Moreira da Silva Silva ZooDiagnoses laboratório https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0345-4991

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v19n03e1750

Keywords:

Lagomorph, ovariohysterectomy, uterine infection

Abstract

Pyometra is a common condition often seen in domesticated rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), characterized by an infection in the uterus that can result in serious systemic complications when not treated properly. The results of the clinical discussion covered by this case report revealed a 5 years old female Dutch rabbit with the characteristic clinical signs of pyometritis, such as abdominal distension, hyperthermia and lethargy. The assertive diagnostic protocol for this disease usually involves detailed clinical examinations, hematological analysis, ultrasound evaluation and uterine fluid analysis. Abdominal ultrasound confirmed the presence of a markedly distended uterus and analysis of the uterine fluid revealed the presence of purulence. Treatment consisted of surgical castration (ovariohysterectomy) by ventral median laparotomy, and appropriate antibiotic therapy, as well as intensive monitoring with special attention to vital parameters, hydroelectrolytic balance and healing of the surgical wound. The patient was kept for 3 days after surgery, when she made a completely satisfactory recovery, being closely assisted by the inpatient team throughout the post-surgical period. After two weeks of follow-up and completion of the therapeutic protocol, the rabbit was discharged from the hospital, showing complete resolution to her typical activities.

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Published

2025-03-08

Issue

Section

Medicina veterinária

How to Cite

1.
Bastos DFRB, Azevedo A da C de A, Souza EMM de S, Bath FV de CB, Ribeiro RRAR, Sampaio SBS, et al. Pyometra in a Dutch rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus): Case report. Pubvet [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 8 [cited 2025 Apr. 2];19(03):e1750. Available from: http://ojs.pubvet.com.br/index.php/revista/article/view/4021