OCCURRENCE AND MACRO AND MICROSCOPIC ASPECTS OF MUCOMETRA IN BITCHES

Abstract

The mucometra is a non-inflammatory change that affects the uterus through the
accumulation of sterile fluid in the uterine lumen. This study aimed to report the occurrence
of mucometra in bitches, as well as describe their macroscopic and microscopic aspects. Were
used 100 uterus of bitches coming from ovariohysterectomy (OHE) of convenience. The
pieces were fixed whole in 10% buffered formaldehyde for 48 hours. Subsequently, samples
3-5 mm thickness of the uterine horns were selected, followed by routine histology, with
slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The animals in this study were classified according
to age, the number of births and the use of contraceptives. Data were statistically analyzed
using descriptive and chi-square analysis with level of significance of 5%. The mucometra was observed in 9% (9/100) of uteri examined. Bitches over six months and less than or equal
to three years (66.67%), nulliparous (88.89%) and who used contraceptives (66.67%) were
the most affected by mucometra. Grossly, the uterus showed variable distension of the horns,
giving irregularity to the organ. When cut, it was observed the presence of mucous or fluid
and light gray color. Histopathology, the perimetrium and myometrium were normal. In some
cases, the endometrium was atrophied and in all cases the endometrial glands were distended
and many cystic, either with or without hyperplasia of the epithelium. In the glandular lumen
was observed homogeneous material and basophilic squamous cells. We concluded that the
mucometra is a pathological change with low incidence in female dogs, which causes
irregularity in the uterine lining and destruction of the endometrial mucosa.