Ovariohisterectomia como tratamento de piometra em ouriço-pigmeu-africano (Atelerix albiventris)

Resumo

As reproductive disorders have a high prevalence in veterinary medicine and are described in several species, pyometra is among the most significant conditions. It is characterized as an inflammatory and infectious uterine disease marked by the accumulation of purulent exudate within the uterine lumen, usually associated with hormonal influence, especially progesterone. Although widely described in dogs and cats, exotic and wild small mammals may also be affected. This study aims to report a case of pyometra diagnosed in an African pygmy hedgehog (African pygmy hedgehog), approximately one year old, treated at a veterinary clinic located in Sorocaba. The initial complaint consisted of prostration and oral bleeding. Skull radiography revealed no significant abnormalities, making hematological testing and abdominal ultrasonography necessary. Hematological analysis demonstrated leukopenia due to lymphopenia. Ultrasonographic examination revealed alterations in the uterine horns with intraluminal fluid accumulation, suggestive of pyometra/hematometra. Surgical intervention was required, and an ovariohysterectomy (OHE) was performed. Following surgery, the collected material was submitted for histopathological and microbiological analyses, resulting in a diagnosis of suppurative endometritis/pyometra, with isolation of Klebsiella spp., a multidrug-resistant bacterium. This study seeks to contribute to the clinical practice involving wildlife and non-conventional pets by providing technical and scientific support for the proper management of such diseases, while also addressing the scarcity of surgical reports involving exotic species such as the African pygmy hedgehog.