Pyometra in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Pyometra in dogs is a serious health issue that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

This condition occurs when a bacterial infection causes a build-up of pus in a dog's uterus, often due to hormonal changes, such as those that occur during heat cycles or spaying.

In dogs, pyometra is more common in intact females, especially those over the age of seven.

Left untreated, pyometra can lead to sepsis, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream.

Additional reading: Pyometra

Pyometra in dogs can be a serious health issue, and it's essential to recognize the symptoms and signs to get your furry friend the help they need.

The symptoms of pyometra can occur anywhere from two to eight weeks after a dog's heat cycle, but they can appear as late as twelve weeks.

Some common symptoms of open pyometra include excessive licking after the heat cycle, white, yellowish, or green discharge, and a foul-smelling odor.

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Dogs with open pyometra may also exhibit changes in behavior, depression, increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and lack of energy.

The symptoms of closed pyometra are more challenging to identify, but they can include a bloated or swollen abdomen, no discharge, collapse, anorexia, excessive panting, and a fever of 104 to 106.

Dogs with closed pyometra may also experience an increase in water consumption and urine production due to the toxins released by the bacteria.

Here are some common signs of pyometra in dogs:

If you notice any of these symptoms or signs in your dog, it's crucial to take them to the vet immediately.

Diagnosis of pyometra in dogs typically starts with questions about the heat cycle and any changes in behavior or self-grooming habits around the vulva. The vet may then check for swelling in the abdomen with radiographs or an ultrasound exam.

Dogs with pyometra often have an increased white blood cell count and globulins in the blood, and may show a slight vaginal discharge with no prominent symptoms in the initial stage.

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An ultrasound can also be helpful in identifying an enlarged uterus and differentiating it from a normal pregnancy. If the cervix is closed, radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen will often identify the enlarged uterus.

The preferred treatment for pyometra is surgery, specifically an ovariohysterectomy (spay) to remove the infected uterus and ovaries. This surgery is more complicated than a routine spay and may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

Here are the key steps to take if your dog has pyometra:

Dogs with pyometra often have a slight vaginal discharge, which can be the first sign of the condition.

A veterinarian may check for swelling in the dog's abdomen with radiographs or an ultrasound exam.

The initial stage of pyometra can be tricky to diagnose, as it may not show any prominent symptoms.

Dogs with pyometra typically have an increased white blood cell count and globulins in the blood.

A veterinarian may take a radiograph (X-ray) and/or perform an ultrasound to diagnose the pyometra.

If the cervix is closed, radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen will often identify the enlarged uterus.

An ultrasound examination can also be helpful in identifying an enlarged uterus and differentiating that from a normal pregnancy.

The diagnosis of pyometra is a serious matter, and the treatment is equally as crucial. Surgical removal of the uterus is the preferred treatment for most veterinary hospitals.

Pyometra is a medical emergency, and immediate treatment is necessary to prevent a fatal outcome. The preferred treatment is surgery, specifically an emergency spay.

Surgery is the only sure way to resolve the dog's current condition and prevent a future recurrence. Your veterinarian will likely recommend surgery to address the condition's urgency.

If your dog has an open pyometra, they may not necessarily require surgery. However, this method may not be worth the risk, as there is often a good chance that the pyometra will return unless the pup is pregnant during their next heat cycle.

To determine the best course of treatment, your veterinarian may perform blood work, take a radiograph (X-ray), and/or perform an ultrasound.

Here are the key steps to consider when treating pyometra:

Spay surgery is a safe and effective way to prevent pyometra in dogs, and it's best to schedule it before your dog reaches sexual maturity and experiences her first heat cycle.

This procedure eliminates the risk of pyometra and also removes the dangers associated with uterine and ovarian cancer.

Spay surgery can drastically reduce your dog's lifetime risk of breast cancer.

If your dog shows signs of pyometra, it's essential to bring her to a veterinarian right away for a diagnosis and potentially life-saving surgery.

Pyometra in dogs is often caused by hormonal changes during each heat cycle, which can permanently thicken the uterus with excess tissue, making it more vulnerable to infection.

The E. coli bacterium is a common cause of pyometra, typically occurring a few weeks after the female dog completes her heat period.

Progesterone-based drugs can also contribute to pyometra due to the changes they make in the uterus, which is why dogs on hormone therapy must be closely monitored.

As dogs age and go through multiple heat cycles without getting pregnant, their uterine walls grow thicker and secrete fluids that nurture bacteria, making them more susceptible to pyometra.

Pyometra in dogs is primarily caused by hormonal changes during each heat cycle, which can lead to a permanently thicker uterus with excess tissue.

These changes make the uterus more vulnerable to infection, particularly from the E. coli bacterium, which often occurs a few weeks after the heat period.

Progesterone-based drugs can also cause pyometra due to the changes they make in the uterus.

Hormonal changes during heat cycles also cause the cervix to open, allowing bacteria to invade the uterus and create an infection.

In older female dogs, multiple unproductive heat cycles can cause the uterine walls to grow thicker and secrete fluids that nurture bacteria.

Heat cycles prevent disease-fighting white blood cells from protecting the uterus against bacteria, making it easier for infections to develop.

Pyometra can take two primary forms: open pyometra, where fluids can exit the uterus through the cervix, and closed pyometra, where the cervix shuts off this exit route, allowing pus and other fluids to build up to dangerous levels.

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Pyometra can occur in young to middle-aged dogs, but it's most common in older dogs.

The typical time for pyometra to occur is about two to eight weeks after oestrus, which is the heat cycle.

After many years of oestrus cycles, the uterine wall undergoes changes that promote this disease.

The symptoms of pyometra may not appear for several weeks following your dog's last heat cycle.

This means that owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms, especially if their dog is older or has a history of heat cycles.