Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors linked to pyometra in female dogs of five breeds
By Hagman, Ragnvi et al.·Published in Theriogenology·2011·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A breed-matched case-control study of potential risk-factors for canine pyometra.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at the risk factors for pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus that affects many unspayed female dogs, particularly before they turn 10. Researchers found that previous pregnancies seemed to protect some breeds, like Rottweilers, Collies, and Labrador Retrievers, from developing pyometra, while Golden Retrievers did not show this benefit. The study involved 87 dogs from five different breeds, and it highlighted how the risk factors can vary significantly between breeds. This information can help pet owners understand the importance of breed and reproductive history in their dog's health.
People also search for: dog pyometra symptoms · unspayed female dog risks · Labrador Retriever pregnancy health · Golden Retriever pyometra prevention
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate plausible risk-factors for pyometra, a common disease affecting almost 25% of all (unspayed) female dogs before 10 years of age. Because of the strong breed-predilection, an age- and breed-matched case-control study was undertaken on 87 pairs (pyometra-cases and healthy controls) from five breeds (Rottweiler (n = 13), Collie (n = 8), Golden retriever (n = 24), Labrador retriever (n = 16) and German shepherd dog (n = 26)). The mean age was 7.9 y (range 0.8-13.8 y). Variables analyzed included pseudopregnancy, age at first oestrus, length of and regularity of the interoestrus interval, hormone treatments, nulliparity, number of parities, age at first whelping, previous urinary tract infections and mammary tumours. Data were modelled multivariably using matched-pair conditional logistic regression. Analysing interactions with breed, previous pregnancy was statistically associated with pyometra. When amalgamated, in three breeds previous pregnancy was protective (Rottweiler, Collie, Labrador retriever) and in one breed statistically intermediate (German shepherd dog) when compared to the baseline (Golden retriever). Previous pregnancy was a statistically significant factor that had a protective effect against pyometra in some breeds but not in the Golden retriever breed. These findings indicate that protective- and risk-factors may vary between different breeds. The obvious problem with low power and limited possibility for extrapolation, using few dogs in few breeds, is acknowledged. However, it is suggested that failure to control for the confounding effect of breed, especially in epidemiological studies on dog diseases, may lead to potentially erroneous conclusions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21196041/