Gangrene of the Tongue Develops 48 Hours Following Ovariohysterectomy as a Treatment of Open-Cervix Pyometra in a Bitch

This case report describes, for the first time, a simultaneous occurrence of open-cervix pyometra and gangrene of the tongue in a ten-year-old intact female Griffon dog. The bitch had a three-week history of grayish black thin purulent vulvar discharge, severe licking of the external genitalia, polyuria, polydipsia, inappetence and lethargy. The owner acknowledged of estrous cycle since two months. Blood work revealed severe leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis and elevated level of globulins. Urinalysis revealed low specific gravity of the urine. Abdominal radiography showed fluid-filled and slightly enlarged uterus. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed enlarged uterus with a thickened uterine wall. The diameter, wall thickness, and luminal thickness of the uterus were 2.32 cm, 0.38 cm, and 1.94 cm, respectively. Accumulation of anechoic-hypoechoic pus inside the uterus was also noticed. The case was confirmed as open-cervix pyometra therefore, ovariohysterectomy was carried out. After 48 hours post-operative, the bitch developed dry gangrene of the tongue. The cranial fourth of tongue became cold, insensitive, dry and grayish white. Moreover, there were diminished lingual function and a clear line of demarcation between the healthy and gangrenous parts of the tongue. Partial glossectomy was carried out and tolerated by the bitch. The animal had acceptable and functional outcomes. In conclusion, transmission of infection from open-cervix pyometra to the tongue is possible, leading to dry gangrene in dogs.