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Pyometra in a six-month-old nulliparous golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) treated with aglepristone
Veterinary Quarterly
... Pyometra is a common illness that affects intact female dogs and cats [1] and rarely other small animals, such as hamsters [2] and rabbits [3]. The disease is characterized by a suppurative bacterial infection of the uterus, typically occurring during the luteal phase [1]. ...
... In case of onset of estrus, resulting from aglepristone administration [2], the animals underwent the administration of 4 mg/kg of melatonin (Melamil ® , Humana, Milano, Italy) for 7 days [24] after the first behavioral signs of heat. ...
Pyometra is a common uterine disease of dogs and cats, typical of the luteal phase. Traditionally, ovariohysterectomy was considered the elective treatment for pyometra, but in some cases, such as breeding subjects or patients with a high anesthesiologic risk, medical treatment is preferred. Aglepristone is a progesterone receptor blocker and its use proved to be effective for the medical treatment of pyometra in bitches and queens. The aim of this work is to report the effectiveness, in the feline species, of a modified aglepristone administration protocol. Five intact queens were referred to veterinary care centers for pyometra. Aglepristone (15 mg/kg) was administered at D0, D2, D5, and D8, as described by Contri and collaborators for dogs. An antibiotic treatment (marbofloxacin, 3 mg/kg) was associated, and uterine conditions were checked with regular ultrasonographic exams. The uterus returned to its normal condition 10 days after starting the treatment and no adverse effects were reported. After treatment, three queens had an uneventful pregnancy. Even if the treated group was restricted and homogeneous, the proposed modified protocol proved to be useful and promising for the medical treatment of pyometra in cats; further studies are planned to verify its effectiveness in the long-term prevention of recurrence.
... Unlike bitches and queens, in rodents, the role of progesterone in the etiopathogenesis of pyometra is not known. However, two clinical reports concerning the use of aglepristone in a hamster and a Guinea pig with pyometra indicated that the treatment can be curative [65,66]. ...
... On Day 8, the female was clinically recovered, and 2 months after the last injection, her health status was optimal. She showed several estrous cycles after the treatment, and no recurrences were reported on long-term follow-up [66]. ...
Aglepristone (RU 46534) is a competitive progesterone antagonist that is indicated for the treatment of various progesterone-dependent physiological or pathologic conditions. Agle-pristone has proven to be an effective means of terminating pregnancy in most species. When used to induce parturition, aglepristone was effective in all cases in the bitch, cow, and goat, with no apparent adverse effects on neonatal health or milk production. When used to schedule an elective cesarean section, aglepristone treatment was deemed safe for dams and puppies, providing that the ovulation date had been accurately assessed at the time of breeding. Irrespective of the stage of pregnancy at injection, treatment with aglepristone has no apparent negative effects on subsequent fertility. Aglepristone is also a safe and relatively effective means of treating pyometra. However, given the high level of septic risk and the likelihood of rapid deterioration, such therapy is not recommended in emergency situations. Treatment of feline fibroadenomatosis using aglepristone has given promising results, but repeat treatment may be necessary in cats previously treated with long-acting progestagens. The use of aglepristone in other progesterone-dependent diseases has yet to be fully evaluated but may prove valuable, especially in the treatment of insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, and the treatment of some vaginal tumors in the bitch.
... Unlike bitches and queens, in rodents, the role of progesterone in the etiopathogenesis of pyometra is not known. However, two clinical reports concerning the use of aglepristone in a hamster and a Guinea pig with pyometra indicated that the treatment can be curative [65,66]. ...
... On Day 8, the female was clinically recovered, and 2 months after the last injection, her health status was optimal. She showed several estrous cycles after the treatment, and no recurrences were reported on long-term follow-up [66]. ...
Aglepristone (RU 46534) is a competitive progesterone antagonist that is indicated for the treatment of various progesterone-dependent physiological or pathologic conditions. Aglepristone has proven to be an effective means of terminating pregnancy in most species. When used to induce parturition, aglepristone was effective in all cases in the bitch, cow, and goat, with no apparent adverse effects on neonatal health or milk pro- duction. When used to schedule an elective cesarean section, aglepristone treatment was deemed safe for dams and puppies, providing that the ovulation date had been accurately assessed at the time of breeding. Irrespective of the stage of pregnancy at injection, treatment with aglepristone has no apparent negative effects on subsequent fertility. Aglepristone is also a safe and relatively effective means of treating pyometra. However, given the high level of septic risk and the likelihood of rapid deterioration, such therapy is not recommended in emergency situations. Treatment of feline fibroadenomatosis using aglepristone has given promising results, but repeat treatment may be necessary in cats previously treated with long-acting progestagens. The use of aglepristone in other progesterone-dependent diseases has yet to be fully evaluated but may prove valuable, especially in the treatment of insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, and the treatment of some vaginal tumors in the bitch.
... Disorders with the highest odds ratio for Syrian compared with other hamsters included female reproductive disorders and urinary tract disorders. Pyometra has been described in Syrian hamsters but is reportedly uncommon (Pisu et al. 2012). Female hamsters typically show a creamy white vaginal discharge at the end of normal oestrus and this can easily be mistaken for a purulent discharge. ...
Background:
Hamsters are popular pets worldwide but there is limited evidence on the overall health issues of pet hamsters. This study aimed to characterise the demography, disorder prevalence and mortality of pet hamsters in the United Kingdom.
Method:
The VetCompass study included anonymised clinical records of 16,605 hamsters.
Results:
The most common hamster species were Syrian (golden) (Mesocricetus auratus) (n=12,197, 73.45%), Djungarian (winter white dwarf) (Phodopus sungorus) (2286, 13.77%) and Roborovski hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) (1054, 6.35%). The most prevalent precise-level disorders recorded across all hamsters were a presentation categorised as 'wet tail' (n=293, 7.33%), disorder undiagnosed (292, 7.30%), bite injuries from other hamsters (235, 5.88%), overgrown nail(s) (165, 4.13%), overgrown incisor(s) (159, 3.98%) and traumatic injury (152, 3.80%). The most prevalent disorders groups across all species of hamster were traumatic injury (n=616, 15.41%), enteropathy (450, 11.26%), ophthalmological disorder (445, 11.13%), skin disorder (362, 9.05%) and mass (361, 9.03%). The median age at death across all hamsters was 1.75 years (interquartile range: 0.83 to 2.20, range: 0.01 to 3.65). The most common causes of death at a precise level were wet tail (7.88%, 95% confidence interval: 6.35 to 9.66), abdominal mass (6.40%, 95% confidence interval: 5.01 to 8.03), neoplasia (5.38%, 95% confidence interval: 4.11 to 6.90) and dyspnoea (3.99%, 95% confidence interval: 2.9 to 5.34).
Conclusion:
This study provides veterinary professionals, educators, welfare scientists and owners with an evidence base on pet hamster health. A greater understanding of the common disorders of pet hamsters can support veterinary professionals to communicate more effectively with owners on key issues and outcomes to expect from hamster ownership.
... Aglepristone, combined with antibiotics, has been used successfully for medical treatment in a golden hamster and a guinea pig. 116,117 ...
Pyometra is a common disease in intact bitches and queens and occurs, although less frequently,in most other female pets. The illness is generally diagnosed within 4 months after estrus, in middle-aged to older bitches and queens. Hormonal and bacterial factors are important for the disease development, and progesterone plays a key role. The diagnosis is based on case history, clinical signs, and findings on physical examination, laboratory analyses and diagnostic imaging. Pyometra is potentially life-threatening and considered a medical emergency. Surgical ovariohysterectomy is the safest and most efficient treatment, but purely pharmacologic options are possible in less severe cases.
... The author has treated pyometras in chinchillas by administering aglepristone, a competitive progesterone antagonist, 15 mg/kg SC on days 1, 2, and 8, along with enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours and supportive care; in breeding sows, the same treatment can be administered. 95,96 Dystocia in guinea pigs and chinchillas Dystocia is rare in chinchillas, whereas is quite common in guinea pigs. Causes may include oversized kits; narrow pelvic canal; nutritional deficiencies; uterine inertia; and, in guinea pigs, also the inability of the pubic symphysis to separate, hypovitaminosis C, and uterine torsion. ...
The management of a breeding facility of exotic species is challenging and managing these on a large scale can be a daunting task for general practitioners or novice exotic animal veterinarians. They are usually not trained to work with flocks or herds, and even most exotic animal veterinarians are used to working with single patients. This article gives some suggestions and tips on how to proceed when facing an exotic animal collection and especially when breeding is not as successful as expected.
... ANWENDUNG BEIM HEIMTIERIn der Literatur wird in Fallberichten vom erfolgreichen Einsatz von Aglepriston in Kombination mit Antibiose bei der Behandlung der Pyometra eines Meerschweinchens (10 mg/kg s. c. amTag 1,2,8) und Hamsters (20 mg/kg s. c. am Tag 1, 2) berichtet. Der Progesteroneinfluss in der Pathogenese der Erkrankung ist jedoch bei beiden Spezies nicht bekannt[19,20].Wirkweise Die durch PGF 2α induzierte Luteolyse führt zu einer Reduktion des zirkulierenden Progesterons[13]. Dies bewirkt eine erhöhte Sensibilität und Motilität ...
... Aglepristone combined with antibiotics has been used successfully for medical treatment in a golden hamster and a guinea pig. 105,106 ...
Pyometra is a common disease in dogs and cats. Hormones and opportunistic bacteria are fundamental in the development, with progesterone playing a key role. The disease should be suspected in intact bitches and queens presenting with illness, and particularly if within 4 months after estrus. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to increase chances of survival as endotoxemia and sepsis often are induced. Typical clinical signs include vaginal discharge, depression, anorexia, polyuria and polydipsia, fever and gastrointestinal disturbances. Surgical ovariohysterectomy is the safest and most effective treatment. For breeding animals with less severe illness, purely medical treatments alternatives are possible.
Pyometra is a common disease in intact bitches and queens and occurs, although less frequently, in most other female pets. In bitches and queens, the illness is generally diagnosed within 4 months after estrus, in middle-aged to older individuals. Complications such as peritonitis, endotoxemia, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome are not uncommon and associated with more severe illness. Ovary-sparing surgical options such as hysterectomy could be considered in individuals with high-risk for detrimental side effects of spaying or without infection of the uterus but has not yet been evaluated for safety in pyometra.
Zusammenfassung
Antigestagene (Antiprogestine) sind funktionelle Antagonisten von Progesteron (P4), welche die Vermittlung der biologischen Wirkungen von P4 verhindern, indem sie entweder seine Produktion oder seine Funktionen unterdrücken. Unter Letzteren befinden sich Progesteronrezeptorantagonisten, die die Bindung von P4 an seinen nukleären Rezeptor PGR kompetitiv hemmen. Diese finden sowohl in der Human- als auch in der Veterinärmedizin Anwendung, in der Kleintiermedizin insbesondere zur Nidationsverhütung und zum Trächtigkeitsabbruch. Progesteronrezeptorantagonisten können entsprechend ihrer Wirkungsweise in 2 Klassen eingeteilt werden. Klasse-I-Antagonisten binden an den PGR ohne eine Bindung an Promotoren von Zielgenen zu induzieren (kompetitive Inhibitoren). Antigestagene der Klasse II, einschließlich des in der Veterinärmedizin verwendeten Aglepristons, binden an den PGR, aktivieren dessen Assoziation mit einem Promoter, interferieren jedoch mit den nachgeschalteten Signalkaskaden, z. B. durch Rekrutierung von Transkriptionsrepressoren. Sie wirken dabei als transdominante Repressoren, die negative Auswirkungen auf die Zielgenexpression haben. Wichtig für die experimentellen Wissenschaften ist, dass Antagonisten der Klasse II, als aktive Antagonisten, für ihre Wirkung nicht die Anwesenheit des natürlichen Liganden benötigen. Neben ihrer klinischen Anwendung werden Antigestagene in der Forschung zur Untersuchung P4-abhängiger physiologischer und pathologischer Prozesse eingesetzt. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Geschichte und den aktuellen Einsatz von Progesteronrezeptorblockern in der Veterinärmedizin und Forschung.
Hamsters are commonly kept as children's pets and although there are approximately 24 different species, only five are established pets. Of these the Syrian or golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) and dwarf hamsters (Phodopus sungorus, Phodopus campbelli and Phodopus roborowskii) are popular whereas the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) is less frequently kept. Hamsters are spontaneous ovulators, with a defined breeding season. They respond to photoperiod, with long days inducing reproductive activity in wild individuals and breeding occurring in Spring and Summer. This chapter discusses the clinical evaluation, basic techniques, common medical and surgical conditions, preventative health measures, and radiographic imaging for the hamsters. The clinical evaluation includes history‐taking, handling, sex determination, and clinical examination. The basic techniques include sample collection, nutritional support, fluid therapy, anaesthesia, euthanasia, and hospitalisation requirements.
Guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus are hystricomorph rodents originating from South America. They are commonly presented as exotic pets in veterinary practice. Reviewing the anatomy and physiology of their reproductive tract helps to offer better client education about preventive medicine and helps to act faster in emergency situations. Choosing the right anesthetic protocol helps to prevent complications. This article should aid as a guideline on the most common reproductive problems of these 3 species and help in making decisions regarding the best treatment options.
Reproduction diseases are common presentations in small rodents. Some can be presented to the clinician as an emergency where a fast and effective treatment is required. This article presents an overview of reproductive disorders in these species. Diseases affecting the ovary, uterus, testicles, and mammary gland are developed in rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils: inflammatory, infectious, and neoplasia. Clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment information are included. Some specific indications about the surgical reproduction procedures are described. Literature regarding reproductive disorders exists for squirrels and prairie dogs. Brief information about the normal anatomy of the reproductive system is given.
Biologic samples from 18 (12 female, 6 male) Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) representing an aged colony (17 to 27 mo) were examined. Values for CBC and serum biochemical parameters were determined, and macroscopic and microscopic pathologic evaluations were performed. Blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly higher in male (54.2 ± 14 mg/dL) compared with female (35.3 ± 22 mg/dL) hamsters and correlated histologically with a higher incidence of chronic glomerulonephropathy in males (5 of 6 males; 0 of 12 females). All 18 hamsters had histologic evidence of follicular mite infestation. Half (6 of 12) of the female hamsters showed cystic rete ovarii. Other histologic findings included thymic or thyroid branchial cysts (3 of 18), focal enteritis (2 of 18), and single cases of hepatic hemangiosarcoma, renal adenoma, subcutaneous mast cell tumor, cutaneous sebaceous adenoma, cutaneous trichofolliculoma, squamous papilloma of the nonglandular stomach, epididymal cholesteatoma, pyometra, and pituitary craniopharyngeal cyst. This study is the first published report of hematologic and serum chemical values for any population of Siberian hamsters and the first published report showing a potential male predisposition for chronic progressive glomerulonephropathy and a potential female predisposition for cystic rete ovarii.
Performing surgical procedures, whether elective or therapeutic, on pet rodents is an important component of clinical exotic companion mammal medicine. The most common surgical procedures involve the reproductive system (both elective and therapeutic) and the integument. Dental procedures are also frequently performed on pet rodents and knowledge of normal, topographic and surgical anatomy is essential to adequately perform routine as well as complex surgical procedures on these companion animals, as well as specialized equipment. This article reviews the basic principles of surgery and common surgical procedures. Copyright 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc.
The small animal practitioner is likely to be called upon to help nontraditional pets such as rabbits, rodents, and ferrets. The more information veterinarians have regarding normal anatomy, physiology, reproduction, medicine, anesthesia, and surgery of these unusual pets, the more likely they will be able to help their owners. This article presents an overview of routine and emergency reproductive concerns that the small animal practitioner may face when presented with nontraditional mammalian patients.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of aglepristone (10 mg/kg on days 1, 2 and 8) for the treatment of metritis or pyometra in bitches (n = 67) either alone for cases of metritis (n = 15), or in cases of pyometra (n = 52) with (n = 32) or without (n = 20) the addition of low doses (1 microg/kg) of cloprostenol for 5 days (days 3-7). Examinations performed on day 90, in addition to days 8, 14 and 28, determined that treatments had been curative in the long term in 54/67 bitches (80.6%). Bitches in whom pyometra did not resolve, were given additional aglepristone on day 14 (n = 38) and day 28 (n = 20). Aglepristone alone was curative in 15/15 bitches with metritis. In 17/17 bitches with closed pyometra, cervical opening occurred within 48 h of aglepristone administration. Amongst the 52 bitches with open (n = 35) or closed (n = 17) pyometra, the additional treatment with cloprostenol from days 3 to 7, significantly improved the overall success rate at day 90, which was 27/32 (84.4%), compared to 12/20 (60.0%) in bitches without cloprostenol (P < 0.05). The leucocyte count and plasma progesterone concentrations significantly decreased over the course of treatment. Thirteen of 15 bitches in whom plasma progesterone concentrations were initially low (< 3.18 nmol/L) were cured. The recurrence rate after 12 and 24 months was 13.0% (3/23) and 19.0% (4/21), respectively.
Common hamster diseases and treatment
- C J Ortcutt
Ortcutt CJ. 2005. Common hamster diseases and treatment.
Proceeding of the NAVC North American Veterinary
Conference Jan. 8-12, 2005, Orlando, Florida p. 1358-1360.