BACTERIAL ISOLATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SELECTION AFTER OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY OF CANINE PYOMETRA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 55 CASES

Canine pyometra is a common reproductive disease in bitches. This study evaluated the causative bacteria in antibiotic sensitivity test. Fifty five bitches with pyometra were included in this study. Escherichia coli was the most isolated microorganism (63.6%), followed by Streptococcus spp. (10.9%). Sixty two pathogen isolates showed highest sensitivity to imipenem (95.2%), followed by gentamicin (85.5%), amikacin (80.6%), ceftazidime (72.6%), nitrofurantoin (72.6%), and norfloxacin (72.6%). The microorganisms were most resistant to lincomycin (96.8%), followed by penicillin (85.5%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (58.1%), amoxicillin (54.8%), ampicillin (53.2%), and cefadroxil (50%). The sensitivity of a single empirical antibiotic treatment applied without sensitivity test was 51% (25/49). Sensitivity increased to 84.6% (11/13) when two antibiotics are used simultaneously. No significant differences in the proportions of clinical signs and abnormal hematologic results were observed between bitches with open- and closed-type pyometra. All bitches with pyometra recovered after ovariohysterectomy, antibiotic administration, and supportive therapy. The results of this study provide reliable information to choose an effective antibiotic before surgical intervention, especially for critical patients who cannot wait for the sensitivity test. The outcomes of the bitches with pyometra were excellent with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.