Pyometra in the queen: To spay or not to spay?

Abstract

Practical relevance: Pyometra is a commonly occurring uterine disease in cats that often leads to loss of breeding potential and, in some cases, can be life threatening. An increased incidence of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra is seen with age. Most queens present with uterine lesions after 5–7 years of age (average 7.6 years, range 1–20 years). Clinical signs most commonly occur within 4 weeks of the onset of oestrus in queens that are either mated, spontaneously ovulate or are induced to ovulate (mechanical stimulation or hormone induction). The disease is most often observed in dioestrus. Clinical challenges: Queens with pyometra often go undiagnosed as there may be few..