Arcanobacterium pyogenes septicemia in a southern pudu (Pudu puda) following uterine prolapse.

A 14-year-old female pudu (Pudu puda) developed a uterine prolapse after unassisted parturition. The length of time between the prolapse and replacement of the organ was not known but was less than 24 hr. When the prolapse was first noticed, uterine tissue appeared undamaged and was immediately cleaned with antiseptic solution, handled carefully during replacement, and prophylactic antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs were given. The pudu appeared clinically normal until 4 days postpartum, when she developed clinical signs of tenesmus, dysuria, and a purulent discharge from the vulva. Despite further treatment, the animal was found dead 10 days postpartum, even though it had not shown any other signs of systemic illness. Gross and histologic lesions supported a diagnosis of septicemia secondary to metritis. Arcanobacterium pyogenes was isolated from lung, liver, and uterine exudate.