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Endometritis (Inflammation of the Uterine Lining) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis

Endometritis is an inflammatory condition of the uterine lining in dogs that can be triggered by an infection or non-infectious causes. This inflammation can affect the dog’s fertility and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems.

The most important facts at a glance

Endometritis in dogs is an inflammation of the uterine lining that can be caused by bacterial infections, hormonal imbalances, or mechanical injuries. The disease often occurs after birth when the cervix is still open and bacteria can enter. Symptoms include apathy, loss of appetite, fever, and vaginal discharge. Diagnosis is made through clinical examinations, ultrasound, and possibly cytology or biopsy. Antibiotics are often used for treatment, and hormonal therapy may be necessary for hormonal causes. In severe cases, surgical removal of the uterus is required. Timely diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis, while delayed treatment can lead to permanent fertility problems. Prevention measures include monitoring female dogs during birth and spaying. Research is investigating the role of the microbiome to develop new treatment strategies. The development of biomarkers for early and non-invasive diagnosis, as well as the study of hormones and their influence on the disease, are also being intensively researched. In addition, alternative antimicrobial therapies are being sought to combat antibiotic resistance. The genetic predisposition to endometritis is also a focus to improve breeding programs and reduce the incidence of the disease.

Causes

The uterine lining, also called the endometrium, is the inner layer of the uterus and plays an essential role in reproduction. It provides the necessary environment for the implantation of an embryo and supports its development. In the event of inflammation, such as endometritis, this function is significantly impaired.

Endometritis can develop in various ways. A common scenario is a bacterial infection caused by ascending microorganisms from the vagina into the uterus. Such infections often occur after birth (postpartum) or after a miscarriage, when the cervix is still open and bacteria can enter more easily.

Non-infectious causes can be hormonal imbalances that lead to excessive proliferation of the uterine lining, making it more susceptible to inflammatory conditions. Mechanical irritation or injury to the lining, for example, due to improper obstetrics or manipulations, can also trigger endometritis.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Dehydration

The symptoms of endometritis in dogs can vary but are often non-specific. Common signs include an abnormal, often foul-smelling discharge from the vagina, which can occur in various colors from clear to purulent. This discharge is a direct result of the inflammatory conditions and infection of the uterine lining.

In addition, affected dogs may show signs of discomfort, such as fever, loss of appetite, or lethargy. In some cases, an enlarged uterus may also be palpable. In female dogs who do not become pregnant or repeatedly have miscarriages, endometritis could be the underlying cause.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of endometritis usually begins with a thorough clinical examination of the dog, accompanied by a detailed history that includes information about reproductive status, cycle changes, or previous births. An important diagnostic clue may be the characteristic vaginal discharge.

To confirm the diagnosis, imaging techniques such as ultrasound are often used to detect changes in the structure of the uterus, such as thickening or fluid accumulation. A cytology or culture of the vaginal discharge can also be performed to identify the specific bacteria that are causing the infection.

In some cases, an endoscopy of the uterus or a tissue sample (biopsy) may be necessary to directly assess the condition of the uterine lining and rule out other conditions.

Therapy

The treatment of endometritis depends on the severity of the disease and the underlying cause. Antibiotic therapy is often necessary to combat the bacterial infection. The choice of antibiotic is ideally based on the results of bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests.

In cases where hormonal imbalances play a role, hormonal therapy may be considered to restore the normal function of the uterine lining. In severe or chronic cases, surgical removal of the uterus (ovariohysterectomy) may be necessary, especially if there is a risk of pyometra, a life-threatening accumulation of pus in the uterus.

In addition to these treatments, supporting the dog’s general health is important, including a balanced diet and possibly complementary therapies to strengthen the immune system.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with endometritis depends heavily on early diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment. With timely and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is often good, and many dogs recover completely and can have normal reproductive cycles again.

In chronic cases or if the disease is not detected in time, the prognosis may be worse, as the uterine lining may be irreversibly damaged, leading to permanent fertility problems or other health complications.

Prevention

The prevention of endometritis in dogs involves several approaches. One of the most effective methods is careful monitoring and care of female dogs during and after birth to prevent infections. This includes a clean environment and, if necessary, veterinary assistance for complications during birth.

Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is another preventive measure, especially for dogs that are not used for breeding. It completely eliminates the possibility of uterine inflammation.

Regular veterinary examinations, including monitoring of reproductive health status, can also help detect early signs of endometritis and treat it in a timely manner.

Outlook on current research

Endometritis in dogs is an inflammatory condition that affects the uterine lining and can have various causes, including bacterial infections, hormonal disorders, or the presence of foreign bodies. Current research focuses particularly on the role of the uterine microbiome. Researchers are investigating how changes in the bacterial composition of the uterus can influence the development of endometritis. It is believed that an imbalance in the microbiome can amplify the inflammatory response. This could lead to new therapeutic approaches in which the microbiome is used as a target for treatment strategies.

Another promising area of research is the investigation of biomarkers in blood or urine that could enable early diagnosis of endometritis. Currently, diagnostic methods are often invasive and require ultrasound examinations or biopsies. By identifying specific biomarkers that are related to the inflammatory conditions, a non-invasive diagnostic method could be developed. Initial studies show that certain proteins in the blood of dogs with endometritis may be elevated, which provides a basis for further research.

In addition, the role of hormones, especially progesterone, in the pathogenesis of endometritis is being studied in more detail. Progesterone has an immunosuppressive effect and can increase the risk of infections. Researchers are working to understand how hormonal changes during the estrous cycle are related to the development and progression of endometritis. These findings could lead to better prevention strategies in the long term, especially in female dogs used for breeding purposes.

Another area of research is the development of new antibiotics or alternative antimicrobial therapies, as increasing antibiotic resistance is a global problem. Some scientists are investigating the use of phage therapies, in which bacteriophages are specifically used against the pathogenic bacteria that can cause endometritis. This method could be a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics and help to circumvent the resistance problem.

Finally, there are also research efforts focusing on the genetic predisposition to endometritis. By identifying genetic markers that are associated with a higher risk for this disease, breeders could be able to develop targeted breeding programs to reduce the incidence of the disease in certain breeds. However, this requires comprehensive genetic studies and close collaboration between scientists and breeders.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is endometritis in dogs? Endometritis is an inflammation of the uterine lining (endometrium) in dogs. This condition can be caused by bacterial infections, hormonal disorders, or the presence of foreign bodies in the uterus.
What symptoms does a dog with endometritis show? The symptoms can vary but often include vaginal discharge, lethargy, decreased appetite, and fever. In some cases, the female dog may also show pain or have a swelling in the abdominal area.
How is endometritis diagnosed in dogs? The diagnosis is usually made through clinical examinations, ultrasound, and sometimes a biopsy of the uterine lining. Blood tests can also be performed to check for inflammatory conditions markers.
Can endometritis be treated in dogs? Yes, endometritis can usually be treated with antibiotics. In more severe cases, surgical removal of the uterus (ovariohysterectomy) may be necessary, especially if pyometra has developed.
How can endometritis be prevented in dogs? Spaying is the most reliable method to prevent endometritis. For dogs that are not to be spayed, careful monitoring during the cycle is important, as is avoiding mating with infected partners.
What role do hormones play in endometritis? Hormones, especially progesterone, can affect the immune response of the uterine lining and increase the risk of infections. During the estrous cycle, hormonal changes can increase susceptibility to endometritis.
Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to endometritis? Yes, some breeds show a higher predisposition to hormonal and reproductive diseases, including endometritis. This may have genetic causes, which is why breeding programs should pay attention to this.
Can endometritis lead to other health problems? Yes, untreated endometritis can lead to serious complications, such as pyometra, a purulent inflammation of the uterus that can be life-threatening. Sepsis is also possible.
How common is endometritis in dogs? The exact frequency varies, but it is a relatively common disease in non-spayed female dogs, especially in middle to older age. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to detect early signs.
Are there new treatment methods for endometritis? Currently, research is being conducted on alternative treatment approaches such as phage therapy, which specifically targets pathogenic bacteria. This method could offer a solution to the problem of antibiotic resistance.