Evaluation of different perioperative antibiotic therapy durations in bitches with pyometra

• Grant number: 24/10107-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Gisele Almeida Lima da Veiga
• Grantee: Anally Nunes de Souza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Currently, antibiotic therapy for treating infectious processes such as pyometra is a concern in veterinary medicine. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and the consequent bacterial resistance often result in therapeutic protocols having reduced or no efficacy. Since ovariohysterectomy effectively removes the source of infection, the use of pre-, intra-, and post-operative antibiotic therapy is questioned by many researchers. Prospective studies based on the restricted use of such medications can help develop guidelines for the optimal treatment of pyometra and, indirectly, enhance the long-term efficacy of antibiotics. The present study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of bitches with pyometra undergoing ovariohysterectomy with different durations of antibiotic therapy and to monitor the duration of the infectious process during the postoperative recovery. A total of 40 bitches will be allocated into 4 groups: Group 1 (n=10) - bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy and antibiotic therapy intra-operatively and for 7 days post-operatively; Group 2 (n=10) - bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy and antibiotic therapy intra-operatively and for the first 3 days post-operatively; Group 3 (n=10) - bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy and antibiotic therapy intra-operatively and for the first day post-operatively; Group 4 (n=10) - bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy and antibiotic therapy intra-operatively.