Influence of the use of contraceptive drugs

This study aimed to assess cases of pyometra, relating them to age, breed and contraceptive use. The clinical records of 2,325 females treated at the HVU - UEMA in 2016 were analysed and 271 of these were diagnosed with pathologies associated with the use of contraceptives. Of these, 112 were positive for pyometra. Adult female dogs aged between 3 and 6 years were predisposed to developing pyometra. There was no racial predisposition to the condition, as in other similar studies. The use of contraceptives in bitches with pyometra corresponded to a large part of the data collected, showing an alarming situation. In view of this, it is possible to state that there was indiscriminate use of contraceptives by owners, which promoted the development of the pathology studied. It is therefore essential that owners are made aware of the risks these drugs pose to the health and well-being of female dogs and are informed about the safety and efficacy of the surgical sterilisation method.