Vol. 9, Issue 5, Part L (2024)

Pyometra is life-threatening and common diestrus disorder in intact bitches. In various disease conditions including pyometra haemoglobin concentration is inversely correlated with the inflammatory cytokine IL-6. However, it is still unknown how exactly IL-6 contributes to inflammatory anaemia. Hence, the present study was aimed to assess haemoglobin and serum Interleukin 6 (IL-6) alterations in pyometra affected bitches. Twelve bitches of different breeds and age groups with the classical signs of pyometra were randomly selected, of which Group I (N=6) had closed cervix pyometra and Group II (N=6) had open cervix pyometra. Six bitches (Group III) which were clinically normal, non-pregnant, intact and 6 years of age and above were used as control. Blood was collected on day 0, 3(day of surgery), 8 (5th day of post-surgery) and 13 (10th day of post-surgery) for estimation of serum IL6 and haematological analysis. There was increase in serum IL-6 concentration in bitches with pyometra before surgical intervention whereas it got markedly reduced after surgery. The serum IL-6 concentration in closed cervix pyometra is higher than open cervix pyometra. Haemoglobin levels in the pyometra affected bitches was lower compared to the healthy bitches. During post-operative recovery, the resumption of haemoglobin concentration was slower in closed cervix pyometra than the open cervix pyometra which might be due to the influence of preoperative IL-6 concentration.