ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN AGE, PARITY, HORMONAL-THERAPY AND BREED, AND PYOMETRA IN FINNISH DOGS

A case-control study of 953 dogs with pyometra and 10,660 unmatched co ntrol dogs was used to investigate the relationships between age, pari ty, hormonal therapy and breed, and pyometra in Finnish dogs. Cases we re reported in animals between nine months and 18 years of age, with a median age at diagnosis of nine years. Nulliparous bitches had a mode rately higher risk of developing pyometra than primiparous and multipa rous animals (adjusted odds ratio point estimate, 6.63). The administr ation of oestrogen increased the risk of pyometra in bitches up to fou r years of age (odds ratio point estimate >6), No significant risk-enh ancing effect of progestin treatment was detected and it is unlikely t hat such a risk, if present, is high (likelihood of the odds ratio exc eeding 2 <0.18). Seventeen breeds had an increased risk, and the wire- haired dachshund and mongrels had a decreased risk of developing the c ondition.