The first report of the clinical diagnosis and surgical management of pyometra in two cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Abstract

Two female adult cheetahs, residents of the same sanctuary, presented several weeks subsequent to being mated with the same male. Their presenting histories included lethargy and inappetence in both; one female had vaginal discharge, and the other had apparent abdominal pain. Clinical signs supported by laboratory data established a diagnosis of pyometra in both and concurrent septic peritonitis in one case. Diagnosis was facilitated by transabdominal ultrasonography showing a fluid-distended and thickened uterus in both and intraperitoneal fluid accumulation, characterised by abdominocentesis as an exudate, in one case. Peripheral blood smears and haematology showed septicaemia that supported rapid surgical intervention by ovariohysterectomy in both cases. The reported retrospective endocrinological, cytological and bacteriological testing and macro- and histo-pathological investigations and findings confirmed the diagnosis. Pyometra has been widely described in many other wild and domestic carnivores, but there are no previous reports of either the clinical manifestation or management of uterine infections in cheetahs. The subsequent successful induction and anaesthetic protocol and the chosen surgical method for ovariohysterectomy are detailed. Post-operative recovery was rapid in both cases and both were discharged and reportedly healthy at a two-year follow-up. The report discusses the pertinent findings in these cases in relation to the literature describing pyometra, its diagnosis and management in both domestic and other wild carnivores. The report is intended to inform those in the field of management of captive cheetahs to improve their health and welfare and instruct veterinarians in the appropriate diagnosis and therapeutic management of uterine disease in this vulnerable species.