PYOMETRA

About the Diagnosis

Pyometra is a serious uterine infection that is potentially fatal and can occur in unspayed animals. During the animal’s heat cycle, or estrus cycle, her cervix relaxes and opens a little, this can allow bacteria to enter her uterus. When the cervix closes the bacteria is trapped and the uterus fills with pus.

The body is usually able to fight off infections but if the immune system is somehow compromised then a pyometra can develop. The bacterium usually seen in pyometra is E. Coli although other bacterias have been to blame. Usually dogs and cats presented with pyometras are middle aged to older and within 60 days of their last heat cycle.
Symptoms of Pyometra: Pyometras can present as either open or closed. In the open form the cervix is open and there is a foul smelling discharge from the vagina. In the closed form the cervix is closed so there will be no discharge. The closed pyometra is harder to diagnose and the patient is usually sicker because the body is retaining the infection in the uterus.

Symptoms of pyometra include, but are not limited to: very smelly vaginal discharge, enlarged abdomen because of the uterus filling with pus, vomiting, not eating, lethargy, drinking more, urinating more, and dehydration.
Treatment of Pyometra: If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, take her to the veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will probably want to run blood work and do an x-ray of the abdomen. The blood work will show the doctor how well the organs are functioning and how bad the infection is.

An x-ray and/or ultrasound will show the enlarged uterus and rule out pregnancy. The preferred treatment for a pyometra is an ovariohysterectomy, commonly called spay. The patient is usually very ill from the infection so surgery is a risk but if the uterus ruptures the dog or cat will go into shock and die. The patient will need IV fluids to correct the dehydration, and antibiotics to fight infection.

In some females valued for breeding, if the pyometra is not closed and you do not want to spay your dog (cats almost always need surgery) your pet will probably be treated with IV fluids for dehydration and receive antibiotics and a medication (prostaglandin) to expel pus from the uterus and alter the hormone levels. The prostaglandin is given for 5-7 days and causes the uterus to contract and expel the fluid. In mild cases, when the cervix is still open and the fluid is draining, the success rate is excellent. This therapy should only be used in dogs 6 years of age or younger, who are in stable condition, and have an open cervix. Prostaglandins can have side effects, especially after the first dose, including restlessness, panting, vomiting, increased heart rate, fever, and defecation. If this treatment does not work, or if the pyometra is closed, then surgery should be done to save the life of your pet. If the non-surgical treatment is a success 26% - 40% of females will have a recurrence of pyometra within one year.

Post Operative Care: If surgery was elected then you’ll need to keep your pet quiet for a couple of weeks following surgery so she has a chance to heal before going back to normal life. Keep an eye on the incision, check it daily and look for signs of infection. If you notice redness, swelling, or discharge then call your veterinarian.
If you think the incision is open call your veterinarian immediately. Pain medications and antibiotics will probably be prescribed; give as instructed. Follow closely any post operative instructions given by your veterinarian to avoid any complications.

Complications Include: bladder infections, peritonitis (infection of the abdomen), Sepsis (poisoning from toxins in the blood or tissues), clotting disorders from the infection, and death.

Additional Information: Spaying your dog or cat will prevent pyometra. If your dog or cat develops a pyometra, early and aggressive treatment is necessary to save the life of your pet.

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