Pyometra is an acute or chronic uterus infection that occurs often in not spayed dogs, but may also occur in wild and domestic cats, and there are few studies related to pyometra in big cats. The aim of this report was to describe a case of pyometra in a lion (Panthera leo) in captivity, the gross and microscopic lesions found at necropsy, and the results of the microbiological analysis. A female with approximately 23 years of age, belonging to a Conservationist Breeding Center located in Santa Maria-RS-Brazil was found dead in her enclosure in the morning. After data collection, we proceeded to the autopsy and collection of material for histopathological and bacteriological analyzes. Microbiological analysis revealed a predominance of the bacteria Streptococcus sp and Escherichia coli in the uterus content, characterized as pyometra and the predominant bacterium in the plasma, liver and bone marrow was Escherichia coli. According to histopathology, the changes observed in this lioness suggest a framework of severe septicemia, being the source of the bacterial infection, probably, pyometra. It is considered important to draw the attention of zoo and wildlife veterinarians for an early diagnosis of this common disease in dogs, which can also affect large wild cats and lead them to death.
uterine infection; big cats; Streptococcus sp.; Escherichia coli; sepsis
