Usefulness of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A component, and haptoglobin determinations in bitches with pyometra for monitoring early post-ovariohysterectomy complications

The aim of this study was to assess changes in serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A component (SAA), and haptoglobin (Hp) in bitches with pyometra undergoing ovariohysterectomy that developed postoperative wound infection-related complications. The study revealed that difficulties, in postoperative wound healing were induced by infections with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. leading to re-increased levels of CRP and SAA immediately after surgery and persistently high Hp levels throughout the experiment. Our results indicate that acute-phase proteins in bitches undergoing surgery because of pyometra are useful markers for monitoring the postoperative period. Moreover, they enable prompt therapeutic management once complications develop. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All tights reserved.