About Dr. Mölsä
Dr. Sari Helena Mölsä is a veterinary surgeon whose clinical passion lies in advancing surgical care for dogs through evidence-based medicine. Over the past decade, her work has primarily focused on soft tissue surgery, particularly conditions affecting the reproductive system. Through her extensive hands-on experience, Dr. Mölsä has identified key knowledge gaps in veterinary surgery—many of which have inspired her research initiatives.
Practicing in Finland, where dogs are not routinely neutered, Dr. Mölsä encounters more hormone-related diseases than veterinarians in many other regions. This unique clinical environment offers valuable research opportunities to better understand and treat reproductive conditions in dogs. Her overarching goal is to improve the health and welfare of canine patients by developing treatment approaches grounded in solid scientific evidence.
Research Approach
Dr. Mölsä’s current study addresses a critical global concern: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Increasing resistance to antibiotics poses a major threat to both animal and human health, and reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use is vital to combating this issue.
Her project focuses on canine pyometra, a common and potentially life-threatening uterine infection in unspayed female dogs. The standard treatment involves surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries, often followed by postoperative antimicrobial therapy. However, it remains unclear whether this antibiotic use is necessary in uncomplicated cases.
To answer this question, Dr. Mölsä and her team designed a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving over 200 dogs. The study compares outcomes between dogs that receive postoperative antimicrobials and those that do not, measuring the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other complications. Additionally, the research investigates bacterial strains—particularly Escherichia coli—their antimicrobial resistance patterns, and virulence characteristics. The study also evaluates a recently validated scoring system to predict which patients may require prolonged hospitalization.
Among the canine participants was “Nova,” a Great Swiss Mountain Dog who underwent surgery in November 2022 and has since recovered completely. Nova’s story exemplifies the excellent outcomes achieved through careful surgical management and close clinical follow-up. Preliminary findings suggest that postoperative antimicrobials may be unnecessary in uncomplicated cases, as infection rates have remained comparable to general surgical populations. Final results are expected by the end of 2024.
Potential Impact
Dr. Mölsä’s research has the potential to significantly influence global veterinary practices by providing evidence-based guidelines that reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics in canine surgery. If postoperative antimicrobial therapy is proven redundant for uncomplicated pyometra cases, this could lead to a major step forward in controlling antimicrobial resistance—benefiting both animal and human health.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation grant has been instrumental in supporting this work, enabling comprehensive data collection, patient follow-ups, and development of a robust research database. It has also provided the time and resources necessary to publish the study protocol, promoting transparency and collaboration in veterinary science.
For Dr. Mölsä, this project represents both a professional milestone and a meaningful contribution to improving surgical care and welfare for dogs worldwide—helping veterinarians make smarter, safer, and more responsible treatment decisions for their patients.
