Canine pyometra is an infection that originates in the uterus and can occur in female dogs of any age. It is classified as open or closed, depending on the state of the cervix, and can be more or less serious. The main problem at the time of diagnosis is that many times the symptoms it causes are non-specific, that is, common to different pathologies. This can delay diagnosis and therefore treatment.
In this article on our site we explain everything you need to know about pyometra in dogs, its main symptoms, what causes it and how to treat it.
What is canine pyometra?
Canine pyometra is a bacterial infection located in the uterus, where pus and other secretions accumulate. Therefore, it is a disorder that can only affect female dogs, as long as they are intact and not neutered. It can appear in females of any age once they have passed at least one heat, although it is more common after five years of life. In some bitches it manifests itself mildly, but in others pyometra is serious, very serious and even fatal. Hence, it is essential for the prognosis to go to the vet as soon as we suspect that our dog may be suffering from pyometra.
There are two types of pyometra in dogs:
- Open: Pus and other material from the uterus can leak out. We will observe a vaginal secretion like tomato soup that helps us to assume relatively soon that it is a pyometra, with which we can act quickly.
- Cerrada: this is the most serious case because the pus and secretions are accumulated and retained inside the uterus, which enlarges, without being able to drain to the outside. There may be pain in the lower abdomen. It is more difficult to reach a diagnosis, as the symptoms will be non-specific and will not include vaginal discharge. The uterus can rupture and cause peritonitis, seriously compromising the life of the bitch.
Causes of pyometra in dogs
The onset of pyometra is after heat, in the period called right-handedness. It can cause a condition known as cystic endometrial hyperplasiaIt consists of a series of changes in the inner layer of the uterus, which increases in thickness, fills with fluid and forms vesicles. It is due to a prolonged effect of high levels of the hormone progesterone during the 8-10 week duration of diestro. These modifications create an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria. These reach the uterus when the cervix or cervix relaxes with the arrival of a new period of estrus or receptive heat. As a consequence, the infection known as pyometra occurs.
Symptoms of pyometra in dogs
The main problem with this pathology is the difficulty in identifying it, since many times the initial symptoms are completely non-specific. This leads to them being confused with those of other diseases or even being overlooked by caregivers who consider them of little importance.
The following signs are usually part of the clinical picture of pyometra in bitches and appear weeks after heat:
- Loss of appetite.
- Lethargy, depression and apathy.
- Purulent vaginal spotting in the case of open pyometra. It can be confused with heat.
- Polydipsia, which is an increase in water consumption.
- Polyuria or increase in the amount of urine passed. The dog may urinate indoors if she doesn't have enough opportunities to go outside
- Dehydration.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Fever, temperature normal or below normal.
- Shock, if the dog does not receive treatment it can evolve very unfavourably. In some cases the uterus ruptures and the contents empty into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis. Septicemia or generalized infection of the blood may also occur. These situations are difficult to recover from.
In the following video we explain how to know if your dog is sick.
How to cure pyometra in dogs? - Treatment
The most common treatment for this condition is surgery. The operation for pyometra in dogs is an Ovariohysterectomy, that is, the removal of the uterus and ovaries This canine pyometra surgery is therefore similar to castration that is performed on a scheduled basis in many female dogs. We say similar because, although in both cases the same organs are removed, the truth is that when there is an ongoing infection, the intervention is complicated. First of all, because of the state of the dog. She is no longer he althy and, depending on her symptoms, it may be necessary to stabilize her before even thinking about being able to operate on her. On the other hand, the uterus is infected, inflamed and contains more blood, which complicates the extraction and poses a greater risk to the bitch.
Canine pyometra medications
Another option that is considered only in milder cases and open neck is the administration of antibiotics for pyometra in dogs and prostaglandin to stimulate the evacuation of pus. Complementing antibiotic therapy, it may also be necessary to drain and wash the material contained in the uterus. But, as we say, it is not enough treatment for the most serious infections and it is not always enough to solve the infection. In addition, it must be taken into account that recovered bitches have a higher risk of suffering from pyometra again. Unfortunately, not all dogs outgrow this infection. Treatment is not always sufficient or is not administered on time.
Canine pyometra post-operative recovery
Recovery from pyometra surgery is relatively easy. As soon as the dog is stabilized, she can go home and we will have to watch her so she doesn't touch the wound or make sudden movements that could open it. Depending on the condition of the dog, the vet will prescribe antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories In addition, we must check that the incision heals correctly. Any sign of illness should be reported to the professional.
In VETFORMACIÓN you will find online courses such as the Veterinary Technical Assistant, through which you can learn to apply the necessary care to promote proper recovery of a dog operated on for pyometra, perform cures and much more. You can dedicate yourself to what you like best, caring for animals and ensuring their he alth, so don't hesitate to consult the different courses if you are thinking of expanding your knowledge in areas related to ethology or animal he alth.
Is there a natural treatment for canine pyometra?
No, pyometra is an infection that always requires veterinary intervention, even if it is a mild case. Being a bacterial infection, at least antibiotics are needed, which can only be chosen, prescribed and administered by this professional. Therefore, there are no home remedies for pyometra in dogs.
Canine pyometra prevention
As we have explained, pyometra is a uterine infection that only needs a uterus to be triggered. Therefore, the prevention of this serious pathology that can be fatal is castration or ovarihysterectomy The removal of the uterus and ovaries must be donebefore the first heat , around six months of age, to ensure that infections such as the one described here and other equally serious problems, such as breast cancer, are prevented. With each heat, the chances of developing breast tumors, for example, increase. This intervention also prevents unwanted pregnancies and problems related to hormones, which are quite common in entire female dogs.
In addition to pyometra, castration prevents the appearance of breast tumors, as we have already indicated, of ovaries or psychological pregnancies or pseudopregnancies. It should also be remembered that estrogens administered as contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of pyometra, which is why they are discouraged. On the other hand, if our dog is intact and shows some symptom that we do not know what to attribute to, we must go to the vet without wasting time.
