3402. A very sick Shih Tzu had closed pyometra and low rectal temperature. High anaesthetic risk

Jan 19, 2019

Saturday. Jan 19, 2019.  9.30 am before the 10 am appointment came.

Emergency surgery was done today as the abdomen was much swollen indicating that the uterus had swelled with pus. The dog had passed lots of smelly brownish red pus yesterday.

"How's the rectal temperature?" I asked my assistant.
In Toa Payoh Vets, the normal range of rectal temperature is 38 degrees C to 39.5 degrees C.

Fortified with IV drips, multivitamins and antibiotics for the past 2 days.
Less anaemic now but still lethargic.

Minimal sedation. I used 0.05 ml of Zoletil 100 IV.  Isoflurane and Oxygen gas by mask. The dog had her tongue rolled out towards the nostrils surprisingly. Patience. Intubate. "Very low % of isoflurane gas," I told my assistant. 1 - 2% instead of 2.5 - 3% for young healthy dogs.

Uterus was as big as the hot dog sausages you see. Healthy bluish pink wall bursting with pus.
Dog was operated by Dr Daniel. OK. 38 degrees C 7 hours post-op today Jan 19, 2019. A relief. 
 








This dog came in with 37.5 degrees Celsius for pyometra surgery on Thursday, Jan 17, 2019. Too low. Postponed operation.


 


According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a temperature of 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 to 39.2 degrees Celsius) is typical for pooches,