Pyometra is a very serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus that causes it to fill with bacteria and puss. It can happen in any intact female dog but is more common in older intact females
A pyometra can be either open or closed. With an open pyometra, you will see a purulent discharge from the vagina. A closed pyometra may go unnoticed because the cervix is closed and the discharge can’t drain to the outside so it collects in the uterus. The bacteria in the uterus gets absorbed systemically and can lead to rapid and severe illness.
The most common signs are decreased appetite, listlessness, depression, vomiting, and/or diarrhoea. A lot of dogs also start drinking more than usual.
Pyometra is diagnosed with a physical examination, an increased white cell count on a blood smear, and an ultrasound examination of the abdomen.
The treatment of choice is ovariohysterectomy (spay)
If a pyometra is left untreated, the toxic effects of the bacteria will be fatal in many cases. It is a serious condition and requires prompt treatment.
The best way to prevent this is to spay your female dog at a young age.
If you would like to know more or book your dog in for a spay please contact us.
