Beyond The Visible: Tackling Elusive Uterine Disorders in Dog Breeding

Have you ever heard of endometritis?

This enigmatic quandary I speak of is a condition I researched during my tenure at the veterinary school of Alfort, in Paris.

It’s a chapter from my past, laced with endless days of research, some publications, and a relentless quest to unravel the obscured complexities of canine reproductive health in the realm of dog breeding.

Yes – I do miss those days indeed 🙂

This uterine anomaly, often shadowed by its more notorious counterparts like pyometra and cystic endometrial hyperplasia, is a subtle yet profound player in the realm of canine infertility, particularly affecting dog breeding practices.

Endometritis, or Sub-clinical Endometritis as aptly coined by my esteemed mentor, stands distinct from the other uterine disorders we just mentioned.

While the latter conditions manifest with overt signs (in the case of pyometra) or identifiable cysts under the ultrasonic gaze (in the case of Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia), endometritis is more elusive, often slipping under the diagnostic radar in the context of canine reproduction.

It’s not just a medical term; it’s a potential dream-shatterer for those yearning for their canine companions to bear offspring in the world of dog breeding.

As I bid goodbye to the vet school, I carried with me the knowing that there remained a vast expanse of uncharted territory on this topic.

And it was a recent dive into a riveting 2023 paper titled, “General and Comparative Aspects of Endometritis in Domestic Species: A Review,” that rekindled the flames of my curiosity regarding canine reproduction.

The Multiple Dimensions of Endometritis

In the early days of my venture, endometritis appeared as a singular, enigmatic medical anomaly yet to unfurl its complete narrative in the broader sphere of uterine disorders affecting dog breeding.

The landscape, however, has evolved, and the paper has thrown light upon the different causes of endometritis in canines, arguably sketching a triad of root causes

Perhaps even more actually…

‘Post-mating induced endometritis’ emerges in the aftermath of breeding.

As fluid ventures into the uterus after breeding, it triggers an inflammatory response within the endometrium, the inner part of the uterus.

While this inflammatory dance is transient in healthy individuals, in bitches grappling with endometritis, the inflammation festers, morphing the uterine environment into hostile terrain for the awaiting embryos.

We then have something called ‘post-estrous endometritis.’

Unlike some species blessed with a mucosal shield guarding the cervix against microbial invasions, canines stand vulnerable.

The estrous season, hence, becomes a gateway for an array of germs—residents of even a normal vagina—to trespass into the uterine domain, further complicating canine reproduction.

If the ensuing inflammation persists, endometritis happens and can then impact fertility, a daunting challenge in the realm of dog breeding.

And the paper discussed an interesting aspect regarding the post-partum window that I actually never heard of before actually.

Well, I did know about post-partum endometritis: this is something I have witnessed with a fair share of frequency.

The act of parturition, coupled with the cervix’s openness and the uterine susceptibility to infections amid the placental detachment, lays a fertile ground for bacterial incursions indeed.

Bitches suffering from this disorder after parturition may unveil a tableau of distressing signs: hyperthermia, lethargy, purulent vulvar discharge…

The paper however goes further, and suggests that the inflammation borne from these postpartum invasions could linger, casting a shadow on subsequent reproductive cycles and sewing the seeds of infertility, a somber reality in dog breeding.

As you understand, a plethora of scenarios nurtures the birth and persistence of this uterine inflammation in canine reproduction.

With bacteria as the core protagonists.

Navigating the Nexus: Six Risk Factors and Two Core Causes

The paper sheds light on six key risk factors that play pivotal roles in the development of endometritis in canine reproduction.

I believe this knowledge is instrumental for dog breeders and veterinary practitioners aiming to mitigate the risks associated with these uterine disorders.

1. Delayed Uterine clearance

• Post-breeding, a natural cleaning process ensues to expel germs entering the uterus during breeding. In bitches with endometritis, this mechanism is compromised, causing some fluid to remain, which sustains inflammation, a scenario that’s sadly common in dog breeding.

• Any uterine anomaly like cystic endometrial hyperplasia could hinder the uterine contraction essential for this cleaning process, further challenging canine reproduction.

2. Immune Dysfunction:

• Effective immune responses are crucial to eradicate germs, a failure in which could perpetuate inflammation in uterine disorders.

3. Contaminated Semen and Inadequate Mating Management:

• The act of mating or artificial insemination is a critical phase for germ entry into the uterus. Contaminated semen or unsterilized insemination material can significantly increase the germ load, further challenging dog breeding practices.

4. Abortion and Retained Placentas:

• These conditions can heighten the germ count in the uterus, providing a conducive environment for inflammation, a daunting challenge in canine reproduction.

5. Dystocia and Cesarean Section:

• Conditions that impair or damage the uterus can affect its contraction ability post-mating, crucial for cleaning, thereby delaying uterine clearance.


6. Uterine Dysbiosis:

• Every organ, including the uterus, hosts a microbiome comprising commensal bacteria essential for organ health.

• Disruption in the uterine microbiome balance, possibly due to impaired clearance or bacterial-heavy content entry, can foster endometritis, a reality that’s sadly common in dog breeding.

And a close examination of these risk factors quickly unveils a recurring theme in canine reproduction.

Endometritis emanates chiefly from two scenarios: hindered uterine clearance and substantial bacterial entry into the uterus…

And this is where things get very interesting I believe in the context of uterine disorders.

A Shield Against Endometritis: Proactive Prevention Tactics

Diagnosing (subclinical) endometritis often mirrors a complex puzzle with elusive pieces in the broader scenario of uterine disorders.

Recent papers highlight the potential of ultrasonography post-breeding to detect persistent uterine fluid… but even this diagnostic journey is seldom linear, a reality that’s sadly common in dog breeding.

In the studies we have conducted, we have often encountered the following scenario: ultrasound revealed no anomalies… and yet we confirmed endometritis after performing a uterine biopsy.

This procedure might me more conclusive, however its invasive nature further complicate the diagnostic landscape obviously…

Amidst this diagnostic conundrum, the more I think about it, the more I believe that prevention emerges as a beacon of proactive management in dog breeding.

And the delineated risk factors I just enumerated provide a blueprint, guiding us towards actionable preventive measures in canine reproduction.

1. Timely Breeding:

I have underscored in previous writings the essence of timing in breeding, cautioning against both premature and delayed endeavors, a crucial aspect of canine reproduction.

The examination of risk factors for canine endometritis amplifies the importance of this aspect, particularly as the paper I have just reviewed highlights CEH—a condition notably more prevalent in older bitches—as a distinct risk factor in uterine disorders.

So here again, refrain from late breeding to mitigate risks associated with aging uterine conditions, a crucial aspect of dog breeding.

Pre-breeding uterine evaluations can also preemptively identify signs of CEH, indicative of potential endometritis. This is something that should be considered in older animals or in females with a history of infertility, a challenging scenario in canine reproduction.

2. Semen Quality Assurance:

To ward off uterine contamination, it’s imperative to ascertain the semen’s “purity”, a crucial aspect of canine reproduction.

Though exhaustive bacteriology on every sample is impractical, basic quality checks like sperm count and motility are indispensable in the realm of dog breeding.

Blood presence in semen, often linked with benign prostatic hyperplasia in older males, necessitates caution due to its propensity to harbour bacteria, a daunting challenge in dog breeding.

A method I employed particularly in cases of infertile bitches was the utilization of semen extenders, akin to those traditionally used for chilled semen, a reality that’s sadly common in dog breeding.

These extenders, fortified with ionic and pH buffers alongside antibiotics, serve as a protective shield for either the semen or the uterus, further fostering a healthy environment for canine reproduction.

The paper’s reference to this methodology was reassuring, suggesting a theoretical utility… though it remains, to my knowledge, a less explored avenue in the management of uterine disorders.

3. Artificial Insemination (AI) Hygiene:

Once again, to prevent uterine contaminations, I think this one is a no-brainer after my reading in the broader scenario of uterine disorders.

It is crucial to adhere to stringent hygiene protocols during AI, utilizing clean, preferably single-use materials to mitigate infection risks, a crucial aspect of dog breeding.

4. Parturition Management:

As I already mentioned, this was a new aspect to consider to me… and I realize now how important it could be in the genesis of endometritis in canine reproduction.

Ensuring complete expulsion of puppies and placentas, coupled with prompt dystocia management, can minimize post-partum endometritis risks… and remember, this post-partum endometritis could actually lead to this chronic state of inflammation of the uterus that we want to avoid here, a daunting challenge in dog breeding.

Also, post-parturition cleanliness is non-negotiable to avert uterine infections, a crucial aspect of canine reproduction.

This notion, a recurring theme in my discussions about newborn puppy care, now unveils a broader spectrum of implications in dog breeding.

5. Uterine Microbiome Preservation:

As I pointed out earlier, this paper highlights the important role of bacterial contamination in the genesis of endometritis in canine reproduction.

And one could make a shortcut here and think: “well, this means that antibiotics are THE solution here.”

But here again, it is not that clear cut actually… because remember, we want to preserve at all costs the health of the uterine microbiome here, a daunting challenge in dog breeding.

And antibiotic use (especially indiscriminate usage) can do quite the opposite.

In dog breeding, antibiotics are often believed to be the solution to almost everything.

And I think it is important to draw a parallel with research that has been done on the digestive microbiome here.

Research in this area suggests that inappropriate usage of antibiotics can actually have long-term repercussions on digestive health, leading to some chronic GI disorders in certain cases, a reality that’s sadly common in dog breeding.

The same could be true for uterine disorders like endometritis…

Once again, caution is required here in the realm of canine reproduction.

Treatment Terrain: Navigating Endometritis Solutions

So far, I have essentially underscored the pivotal role of prevention in managing uterine disorders affecting dog breeding.

It’s a doctrine I uphold fervently—prevention eclipses cure in the realm of canine reproduction.

Sometimes though, we need to treat uterine disorders.

And here again, multiple avenues unfold, each harbouring potential promises.

1. Antibiotics?

Given the bacterial underpinning of the disease, it may seem logical to consider antibiotics in managing uterine disorders affecting dog breeding.

However, its application warrants a narrow, well-defined window—specifically post-breeding, AND when uterine fluid is observed – which is not always the case actually.

On top of that, our past studies often unveiled inflammation WITHOUT bacterial presence, indicating a transient bacterial role, and thus calling for broader treatment horizons in canine reproduction.

2. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

These drugs, known for their anti-inflammatory prowess, have shown promise in managing uterine inflammation in canines, mirroring successes seen in other species, a reality that’s sadly common in dog breeding.

These were my go-to approach lately when suspecting sub-clinical endometritis, and I did get some good successes.

3. Oxytocin Administration:

A case highlighted at a recent conference demonstrated the potential of oxytocin in stimulating uterine contractions to expel contaminants, marking a novel treatment avenue in canine reproduction.

It mimics the approach that is taken in mares, and here again, this is something that could be worth exploring in the broader scenario of uterine disorders.

4. Pre-, Pro-, and Post-biotics:

Aimed at preserving the uterine microbiome, these agents, although nascent in their research stage, could herald a new era of treatment in canine reproduction.

The paper accentuates the need for rigorous investigation to ascertain their efficacy in managing uterine disorders affecting dog breeding.

5. Antiprogestin Aglepristone:

Here is an alternative that appeals to me as well.

The theoretical allure of extending uterine rest using antiprogestin aglepristone, fostering a natural recovery environment, is mentioned in the paper – and it is definitely an alternative that appeals to me in the broader scenario of uterine disorders.

Sure it will require more time, because it will basically mean “skipping a heat”.

It definitely beckons further exploration and I hope to see more on this topic in the future for sure.

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So you see, after reviewing this paper, I can’t help thinking of the importance of implementing all those preventive measures in dog breeding.

The great thing is – they are all ACTIONABLE measures in canine reproduction.

And they definitely instigated a paradigm shift in how I perceive and discuss this disease in the realm of dog breeding.

The journey towards unraveling the most efficacious treatment strategy continues, yet the emphasis on prevention remains undiminished in managing uterine disorders affecting dog breeding.

Again, it seems to me like this adage I like to repeat holds true, especially in the realm of canine reproduction – an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure.