1. 研究目的与意义、国内外研究现状（文献综述）

canine pyometra is a frequently diagnosed bacterialinduced inflammatory disease of the uterus and is a hormone-dependent condition(particularly progesterone) in adult bitches, which lead to the accumulation ofpurulent material in the uterine lumen. this disease represents a commonlife-threatening challenge in canine reproduction, because if it goes untreatedleads to elevation of aggressive septicemia and toxemia which develops rapidlyand ultimately lead to death. according to the recent studies, canine pyometra isa prevalent reproductive disorder of ovary intact, diestrual bitches whichaffects nearly one of fourth of all female dogs before they reach the age often, with a mortality rate caused by pyometra is about 4-26%. this creates caninepyometra be a medical emergency, which requires a further in-depth knowledgeand understanding, hence is topic of interests for my research.

the study will be conducted within the facilities ofthe university, together with the extensive retrospective study of the clinicalcases, cross referencing of published materials to assists the objectives ofthe research. the focus of the research is to provide a further insight andexpanding knowledge base on the pathogenesis, diagnosis( including variousclinical finding and pathological findings ) and treatment( ways to prevent itsprogression to sepsis which leads tosystemic illness ) of canine pyometra which is important disease in canine medicine.

2. 研究的基本内容和问题

Canine pyometra is a common acute or chronicsuppurative inflammation of the endometrium in adult female intact female dogswhich is characterized by persistent accumulation of purulent exudate in theuterine lumen with variety of clinical and pathological manifestation. The aimof this research is to present an in-depth study ( clinical view point ofcanine pyometra), that will address a scientific gap with regard toincompletely understood key points such :

• Etiological factors for canine pyometra, namely, age, breed( the genetic predisposition ), reproductive status (pyometra affects middle-aged to older intact bitches) usually from 6 years old up to 16 years old, within 4 months after estrus. The study will address the contribution of both endogenous and exogenous hormones such estrogen and progesterone, this hormonal effect together with the bacterial factors are involved in the pathogenesis of canine pyometra
• The role of cystic endometrial hyperplasia as a predisposing factor, though the studies has indicated canine pyometra and CEH can develop independently.
• Clinical diagnosis based on clinical signs and historical findings on physical examinations, hematology (CBC) and biochemistry laboratory tests, other laboratory test such as cytological examination of the vulvar discharge, and diagnostic imaging identifying intrauterine fluid.
• As stated above pyometra induces septicemia and endotoxemia , the research will address the consequences of late diagnosis and early diagnosis with regard to the chances of survival.
• Effective treatment for pyometra, surgical treatment such as ovariohysterectomy which is safest and most effective treatment in dogs that are not intended for breeding , and in older bitches presenting with systemic illnesses and those that require emergency care , the success of this surgical not only improves the health of the animal but also stop the reoccurrence of the disease. Medical treatment is an alternative in young and otherwise healthy breeding.
• The study will further address several factors that may affect client’s decision making on pyometra treatment , for example to appropriately treat canine pyometra , it demands a costly surgical or medical intervention in order to resolve, such financial implications should be included in client education .

3. 研究的方法与方案

the study will be conducted at nanjing agriculturaluniversity veterinary teaching hospital.

data will be collected for retrospective study approachwhich will be used to analyze cases of canine pyometra at the hospital,highlighting on the variations in breed and age at presentation, mean age atpresentation age. following cases from presentation, historical findings,physical examination findings and diagnosis, until medical or surgical intervention,following up on the post-surgical treatment and prognosis. the study willinclude both public cases with the consent of the owner, and hospital animalspresenting with pyometra. in addition the pool of data from published materialsunder the title of pyometra will be used as reference for the study.

4. 研究创新点

The study will feature the investigation of new clinicaland laboratory parameters set up during the diagnosis of pyometra in veterinarypractice. The study also features different clinical approaches for preventionof canine pyometra, and bringing the awareness to new strategies of medicaltreatments (alternative drugs) that has a future in canine medicine.

5. 研究计划与进展

The study period is allocated in the bases of thecurrent situation of Covid-19( preventive measures thathave been set up by the university ), while achieving the objectives of the study andcompletion within the time frame that has set up by the college of veterinarymedicine and with the guide of the professor.