Endometritis

Condition Overview

Endometritis is a low-grade bacterial infection of the uterus that occurs as a sequel to a postpartum infection of the uterus, and occasionally as a result of vaginitis that ascends into the uterus. Endometritis is a significant cause of female infertility.

Symptoms

A female dog with endometritis appears to be in good health, has a normal heat period, and mates successfully, yet fails to become pregnant or is found to be pregnant but does not deliver puppies.

All symptoms +

Causes

Endometritis occurs as a sequel to a postpartum infection of the uterus, and occasionally as a result of vaginitis that ascends into the uterus.

Diagnosis

This diagnosis should be considered whenever a dog is bred at the right time but fails to conceive on two or more heat cycles.

Endometritis is difficult to diagnose. Abdominal palpation or ultrasonography during diestrus or anestrus (end of the heat cycle) may reveal a uterus that is somewhat larger or thicker than normal. Uterine biopsy confirms the diagnosis, but requires laparoscopic abdominal surgery.

Treatment

There is no effective treatment for endometritis. Hysterectomy is recommended for dogs who are not intended for breeding. This eliminates the risk of pyometra.

If future breeding is desired, consider using oral antibiotics and/or topical antibiotics infused into the uterus. Antibiotics are selected based on cultures taken from the cervix. There may be benefit in starting an antibiotic seven days before breeding and continuing it until the dog develops the behavioral signs of heat.

Prevention

Hysterectomy is recommended for dogs who are not intended for breeding.

Support

Please contact your veterinarian with questions regarding this condition.