Pyocolpos in a spayed queen with imperforate hymen: a case report

A 1-y-old sterilized queen was presented for dysuria. Abdominal palpation elicited pain and revealed a firm, well-circumscribed mass dorsal to the bladder. Ultrasonography confirmed a caudal fluid filled abdominal structure extending into the pelvic cavity, displacing the colon dorsally and the urethra ventrally. Retrograde vagino-urethrography showed contrast in the vestibule, urethra and urinary bladder. Imperforate membrane at the vestibulo-vaginal junction with secondary vaginal distension was highly suspected. During surgery, a distended by purulent content vagina was observed, sub-total vaginectomy was performed. Bacterial culture showed Enterobacter cloacae. Definitive diagnosis of imperforate hymen is usually achieved by vaginoscopy. Retrograde vagino-urethrography can be used in some cases. This is the first report of imperforate hymen in the queen and also is the first case of pyocolpos. Origin of infection remains unclear. Contamination during neutering or via partial perforation of the hymen may be suspected. Enterobacter cloacae is a Gram - opportunistic pathogen of the urogenital tract of humans and animals. It is involved in multidrug-resistance spreading but its prevalence and clinical impact in veterinary medicine is unknown. In conclusion, this first report of persistent hymen in the queen highlights vagino-urethrography usefulness for diagnosing imperforate hymen in small patients, as well as the inclusion of congenital abnormality in the differential diagnosis of dysuria and the feasibility of sub-total vaginectomy by abdominal approach. Finally, it raises the question of Enterobacter cloacae’s implication in nosocomial infection in veterinary medicine.