Diagnosis and successful treatment of open pyometra in a wild European brown hare ( <i>Lepus europaeus</i> )

Abstract This case report describes an open pyometra in a wild adult female hare ( Lepus europaeus ) that was rescued in the Umbria countryside (Italy) during mid‐January. The clinical signs observed included anorexia and a mucopurulent to haemorrhagic discharge from the vulva. The diagnostic assessment included a comprehensive blood cell count, serum biochemistry, vaginal cytology and culture, as well as abdominal ultrasonography, corroborating the diagnosis of open pyometra. Treatment consisted of systemic antibiotics, according to culture results and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, with Escherichia coli identified as the causal agent. Progress was monitored through the assessment of vaginal discharge and the intrauterine fluid via ultrasonography. Four weeks after initiation of treatment, the pyometra had resolved, and the hare was subsequently released into its natural habitat. This case report details the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and clinical follow‐up of a wild European brown hare with an open pyometra. Pyometra in wild and domestic lagomorphs are infrequently reported. Therefore, pyometra should be considered as a differential diagnosis for wild hares exhibiting anorexia and vaginal discharge following the breeding season.