Pyometra in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

What is Pyometra in Dogs?

Pyometra is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus that affects female dogs, particularly those that have not been spayed. The condition occurs when the uterus becomes filled with pus, often due to hormonal changes following a heat cycle. Without prompt treatment, pyometra can lead to severe complications, including systemic infection, organ failure, and death.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of pyometra, its symptoms, available treatments, and how to prevent this dangerous condition. Early detection and treatment are critical to ensuring a positive outcome for affected dogs.

What Causes Pyometra in Dogs?

Pyometra develops due to hormonal changes in a female dog’s reproductive system. After a heat cycle, the hormone progesterone causes the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the thickened lining remains, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. This is particularly risky after several heat cycles, as the uterus becomes more susceptible to infection over time.

The bacteria responsible for pyometra often enter the uterus from the vagina. Once inside, they multiply rapidly, leading to a build-up of pus and toxins in the uterus. There are two main types of pyometra:

• Open Pyometra

• In this form, the cervix remains open, allowing pus to drain from the uterus. This often results in visible discharge from the dog’s vulva.

• Closed Pyometra

• In a closed pyometra, the cervix is closed, trapping pus inside the uterus. This form is more dangerous, as the infection cannot drain and the build-up of toxins can lead to more severe complications.

Risk Factors for Pyometra

Any unspayed female dog is at risk of developing pyometra, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of this condition:

• Age

• Older dogs, especially those over the age of six, are more prone to pyometra due to repeated heat cycles.

• Hormonal Treatments

• Certain hormonal medications, such as oestrogen or progesterone treatments (sometimes used to prevent pregnancy or regulate heat cycles), can increase the risk of pyometra.

• Breed

• While any breed can develop pyometra, some breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, appear to be more predisposed to the condition.

Symptoms of Pyometra in Dogs

Pyometra can develop quickly, often within weeks of a heat cycle, and it’s essential to recognise the signs early. The symptoms of pyometra vary depending on whether the infection is open or closed:

• Vaginal Discharge

• In open pyometra, there is often a foul-smelling discharge from the dog’s vulva. This discharge may be brown, yellow, or blood-tinged.

• Lethargy

• Dogs with pyometra may appear unusually tired or inactive due to the infection.

• Increased Thirst and Urination

• Pyometra often causes increased thirst (polydipsia) and more frequent urination (polyuria) as the infection spreads throughout the body.

• Swollen Abdomen

• In closed pyometra, the dog’s abdomen may appear swollen due to the accumulation of pus in the uterus. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

• Loss of Appetite

• Dogs with pyometra may lose interest in food and show signs of weight loss.

• Vomiting and Diarrhoea

• As the infection worsens, dogs may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea.

• Fever

• Pyometra can cause a high fever as the body fights the infection. However, in some cases, the dog’s body temperature may actually drop, particularly if the infection is severe.

• Pain or Discomfort

• Dogs with pyometra may show signs of pain, particularly in the abdominal area. They may whine, refuse to lie down, or show discomfort when their abdomen is touched.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, especially after a recent heat cycle, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately, as pyometra can progress rapidly and become life-threatening.

Diagnosing Pyometra

If your vet suspects pyometra, they will perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

• Physical Examination

• Your vet will perform a thorough examination, checking for signs such as vaginal discharge, a swollen abdomen, or signs of dehydration.

• Blood Tests

• Blood tests can help identify infection and inflammation by measuring white blood cell counts. Dogs with pyometra often have elevated white blood cells due to the body’s response to the infection.

• Ultrasound or X-ray

• Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or X-rays, are used to examine the uterus and confirm the presence of fluid build-up. An ultrasound is particularly helpful in distinguishing between open and closed pyometra.

• Urine Tests

• A urinalysis may be conducted to check for signs of systemic infection, as pyometra can affect the kidneys and other organs.

Treatment for Pyometra in Dogs

Pyometra is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. The most effective treatment is surgery, although the exact approach will depend on the severity of the infection.

• Emergency Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)

• The most common and effective treatment for pyometra is an emergency spay, which involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries. This eliminates the source of infection and prevents future occurrences. This procedure is the same as a standard spay but is more complex due to the presence of infection and inflammation. After surgery, your dog will require antibiotics and pain relief during recovery.

• Medical Management

• In rare cases, if the dog is a valuable breeding animal or surgery is too risky, your vet may attempt to manage the condition with antibiotics and hormone treatments to open the cervix and allow the infection to drain. However, this approach is less effective than surgery, and there is a high risk of recurrence.

• Supportive Care

• Dogs with pyometra may require IV fluids, pain medication, and supportive care to stabilise them before surgery or during recovery. This is especially important if the dog is dehydrated, weak, or has organ damage from the infection.

Recovery After Pyometra Surgery

Recovery from pyometra surgery typically takes about two weeks, although the timeline can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the overall health of the dog. Here’s what to expect during the recovery period:

• Rest and Restriction

• Your dog will need plenty of rest and restricted activity after surgery. This means no running, jumping, or rough play for at least two weeks to allow the incision to heal.

• Pain Management

• Your vet will prescribe pain medications to keep your dog comfortable as they recover. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully and watch for signs of pain or discomfort.

• Incision Care

• Monitor the surgical incision for any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge, which could indicate an infection. Your vet will provide instructions on how to keep the incision clean and dry.

• Follow-Up Appointment

• Your vet will schedule a follow-up appointment to check your dog’s progress and remove any stitches if necessary. Be sure to attend this appointment to ensure your dog is healing properly.

Preventing Pyometra in Dogs

The most effective way to prevent pyometra is to spay your dog before they experience their first or second heat cycle. Spaying eliminates the risk of pyometra by removing the uterus and ovaries, which are the organs affected by the condition.

Here are some key benefits of spaying your dog to prevent pyometra:

• No Heat Cycles

• Spaying prevents your dog from going into heat, which eliminates the hormonal changes that can lead to pyometra.

• Reduced Risk of Other Health Problems

• In addition to preventing pyometra, spaying reduces the risk of certain cancers, such as mammary and ovarian cancer.

• Population Control

• Spaying your dog helps control the pet population and reduces the number of unwanted puppies.

If you choose not to spay your dog, it’s important to be vigilant about monitoring for signs of pyometra, especially after each heat cycle.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Dog from Pyometra

Pyometra is a serious and potentially fatal condition, but it is preventable through spaying and early detection of symptoms. If you have an unspayed female dog, it’s important to be aware of the signs of pyometra and to act quickly if you suspect an infection.

Regular veterinary check-ups, monitoring your dog’s health after heat cycles, and discussing spaying options with your vet can help protect your dog from this dangerous condition. With prompt treatment, most dogs recover well from pyometra surgery and go on to live healthy, happy lives.