Clinical Conditions
The most significant uterine disease in the domestic mammals is cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEM) in the dog. This is a common condition of entire bitches that do not become pregnant.
Following oestrus, high levels of progesterone are attained, resulting in thickening of the endometrium and the development of cysts. If pregnancy does not occur, the changes in the endometrium render it vulnerable to bacterial invasion (especially by Escherichia coli), and large volumes of pus may result. This condition is called pyometra, a serious life-threatening situation. The clinical signs of pyometra are swelling and discomfort of the abdomen, usually a vaginal discharge, anorexia and excessive thirst. There is usually a high elevation of the blood white cell count. The preferred treatment is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. Pyometra does occasionally occur in the cat.In cattle the foetal membranes and placenta are expelled within 3-8 hours of parturition and certainly by 24 hours. If this does not occur the membranes are considered to be retained. Although the membranes begin to be putrid, it is now considered to be advisable not to manually remove them because of possible damage to the uterus and severe haemorrhage. Untreated cows will usually expel the membranes within 2-10 days.
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