The simple thought of having a female dog potentially go through a condition as serious as pyometra, should allow new owners to quickly make the decision of having their dog spayed. Pyometra is basically a life threatening infection in the uterus causing an accumulation of pus in the uterine cavity. The condition appears to typically occur in non spayed female dogs over the age of 6 years old.

Typically, a case of Pyometra may present approximately between 4 to 8 weeks after the last heat. Because during a dog's heat the cervix is relaxed, bacteria may easily have access and flourish on the thickened uterus walls. Once the bacteria has set ground, shortly thereafter, the uterus will become thick, fill with fluid and cause symptoms of malaise in the dog.

Symptoms of Pyometra

There are two types of Pyometra: open and closed.

• In an open pyometra, the cervix is relaxed and the dog will have a foul pus like vaginal discharge often resembling tomato soup. Such discharge may be found on the floor or in places where the dog lays on. There may not be many other accompanying symptoms.
• When the Pyometra is closed, the dog pus is trapped inside causing the uterus to enlarge often causing abdominal swelling. Some times the enlarge uterus become so heavy that the dog has a hard time getting up and the rear legs will be weak.

Because of this toxic build up, closed pyometra affected dogs will begin to appear lethargic for no reason. They may refuse to eat and may drink a lot of water in an attempt of flushing the harmful bacteria out. The increased drinking obviously will cause increased urination. Vomiting and diarrhea may also develop. If left untreated, the uterus may rupture and the dog may develop sepsis with a high fever with rapid pulse and symptoms of shock. The condition at this point will ultimately be fatal within 24-48 hours.

Diagnosis of Pyometra

Any time an intact female dog becomes sick for no obvious reason it is a good idea to rule out this serious condition. Diagnosis is usually obtained via blood work confirming signs of infection such as a high white blood count. An ultrasound or X-ray may show an uterus filled with pus or enlarged.

Treatment of Pyometra

When diagnosed early treatment can be very effective, Treatment mainly consists of fluids to correct dehydration. Antibiotics to fight off the infection and surgery which in reality is the a spay with the removal of the uterus, The surgery per se can be quite risky, because any spill of the toxic contents of the uterus may cause peritonitis.

In some cases, when the pyometra is open and the dog is a dam used for breeding, antibiotics may be given and prostglandins(Lutalyse) that relax the cervix and stimulates contractions that help remove the pus from the uterus. However, there are high chances of the pyometra to recur unless the dog is bred on the next heat cycle.

As seen, Pyometra is a very serious condition not worth the risk. If you own an intact female, but yet, you are not a professional breeder, it is strongly advised to have your dog spayed.