Salpingitis, defined as inflammation of the uterine tube is often associated with endometritis or pyometra, and probably occurs more commonly than is reported as a cause of breeding problems in female cats[1].
Because it is assumed to be an ascending infection, the agents are probably the same as those causing endometritis, but studies are lacking. Anecdotal evidence of Citrobacter spp involving ascending vaginal flora have been observed[2].
The macroscopic appearance of salpingitis varies with severity. When it is recognised, it causes perioophoritis as the infundibulum is affected and the tissues around the ovary are included in the reaction. The uterine tube and mesosalpynx become red and edematous.
Histologically, severe cases have an abundance of exudate and large numbers of neutrophils may be present within the uterine tube and is usually restricted to within the fimbria. There often are lymphoid nodules such that feline infectious peritonitis is sometimes a consideration. FIP is a fibrinous, pyogranulomatous and plasma cell rich disease of the peritoneum so can usually be differentiated readily. Less severe cases of salpingitis have neutrophils in the lumen of the tube and some lymphocytes and plasma cells in the interstitium.
References
- ↑ Gelberg HB & McEntee K (1986) Pathology of the canine and feline uterine tube. Vet Pathol 23(6):770-775
- ↑ Dr Jim Euclid (2010) pers comm