One of the benefits of sterilization is to avoid a life-threatening pathology called pyometra, which consists of ainfection in the uterus Sterilization involving removal of the ovaries and the uterus should therefore prevent infection of the latter organ, but we know there are cases of sterilized female dogs that get it. Therefore, in this article on our site we are going to answer the following question: "Can a sterilized dog have pyometra? ". We explain how she can suffer from it, how we can diagnose it and, of course, what is the way to solve it. Keep reading!
What is pyometra?
As we have said, pyometra is an infection in the uterus, with the presence of pus in it and systemic changes. The uterus, along with the ovaries, forms the reproductive system of female dogs. Its cycle consists of four phases, the fertile being the one that we popularly know with the name of heat. It is during this period that the uterus opens, allowing the entry of bacteria that can ascend from the vagina. After heat, in the phase known as diestrus, the uterine tissue undergoes changes in the presence of an increased hormone, progesterone. If the changes are accompanied by an inflammatory reaction of the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus), the uterus will become a very favorable habitat for bacteria, those that have been able to reach it during heat. Also, the uterus closes.
All this explains why pyometra appears after heat, after about 2-3 months. It is characterized by nonspecific symptoms, that is, it can be common to other pathologies, since it presents with polydipsia (increased water intake) and polyuria (increased urination), vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, reluctance to climb to sofas or beds or to jump due to abdominal pain, sometimes fever and bloody vaginal discharge, which can be confused with heat, if we are facing the one known as open neck pyometraIn this type of pyometra, the infection can spread to the outside, whereas in closed-neck pyometra the pus and other secretions accumulate in its interior. It is the most dangerous way because it can lead to the perforation of the uterus and the exit of its contents into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis. But, if pyometra is related to heat, Can a spayed bitch have pyometra? We explain it in the next section.
Pyometra in the neutered bitch
At this point you should know that sterilizations can be performed in the following ways:
- Tubal ligation: this technique is not recommended because it only prevents the bitch from becoming pregnant, otherwise it would maintain her cycle and the he alth problems that can result from it.
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus only. It is also not recommended since the heat and the action of the hormones would remain intact, since it is caused by the ovaries.
- Ovariectomy: is the removal of the ovaries, so that the heat is interrupted. If done early, between the first and second heat, the appearance of breast tumors is prevented.
- Ovariohysterectomy: in this type of intervention, both the uterus and the ovaries are removed, so there will be no hormonal action, heat or possible tumors. It is the most frequent.
As we can see, a spayed female dog can have pyometra, if she has undergone an intervention in which they have been left the ovaries or even the uterus. Luckily, these interventions are not the most widespread and it is normal for our dog to have undergone an ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy.
If we adopt our adult dog or even if we operate on her, we should ask the vet what type of operation she has had. In these cases, the key that will explain the possibility that a spayed bitch has pyometra is what we know as ovarian remnant or remnant, which is nothing more than than the persistence of ovarian tissue, despite the fact that both ovaries have been removed. It can happen due to a failure in the surgical technique, since sometimes it is difficult to reach the ovaries due to the physiognomy of the bitch. In addition, the ovarian tissue can even remain lodged in the abdominal cavity and, due to the effect of hormones, ends up revascularizing and behaving like a perfectly functional ovary.
The activation of the hormones produced by this ovarian remnant is responsible for causing pyometra, which will be a stump if the uterus has been removed during sterilization, following the mechanism that we have explained in the previous section. A vaginal bleeding or any symptom like the one already mentioned is a reason for urgent veterinary consultation, especially if our dog is more than six years old, since it is the age to from which the risk increases, although this does not mean that younger females cannot suffer from it.
In conclusion, for the pyometra of a stump to occur, the following circumstances must occur :
- When, after sterilization, a portion of the uterus remains in the body.
- In addition, a hormone called progesterone is elevated, which can be caused by an ovarian remnant (endogenous) or by the administration of certain medications (exogenous).
- As we said in the previous point, the ovarian remnant is needed to generate the necessary hormones.
Treatment of pyometra in the spayed bitch
We have already seen that a sterilized dog can have pyometra, therefore, if our dog has had her ovaries left or even in cases where they have been removed, if symptoms such as those mentioned appear (polydipsia, polyuria, vomiting, etc.), pyometra should be part of the differential diagnosis, although the majority of spayed female dogs will not suffer from this complication.
To confirm the presence or not of pyometra, the vet can do a x-ray or, better, aultrasound In addition, in a blood analysis it is normal to see an increase in the number of leukocytes (white blood cells that increase in number in the presence of infection), anemia and, in In many cases, an alteration in the parameters that tell us about kidney function (creatinine and urea) since pyometra, in most cases caused by E. coli bacteria, produces toxins that easily reach the kidneys.
Its spread throughout the body is a risk, as it can cause septicemia (generalized infection). Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the most recommended treatment is surgery and the use of antibiotics. Before operating, the dog must be as stabilized as possible, which is achieved by establishing fluid therapy. It is true that, in some cases, it can be treated with medication, but you have to know that pyometra can recur after the next heat.
The operation has risks since the uterus, in these conditions, can tear, causing shock and death. As we can see, pyometra is a life-threatening pathology. Prevention, through sterilization, is the most effective measure to avoid it and this should always be done by trusted professionals to minimize the risk of ovarian remnants or remnants.
Other Complications of Ovariohysterectomy
In conclusion, a spayed bitch can have stump pyometra as a complication after surgery. Other problems that may arise are as follows:
- Bleeding during surgery, especially if it is performed during the estrus phase, when the area has a greater blood supply.
- As we have seen, ovarian rest or remnant, produced when some fragment of ovarian tissue remains in the body.
- Sometimes the ureter can be accidentally ligated.
- Urinary incontinence, sometimes due to adhesions between the bladder and the uterine stump or due to decreased estrogen.
- Fistulas if inadequate suture material is used.
All these risks are minimized with a proper surgical technique, hence the importance of having a good veterinarian. The incidence of complications is low enough that sterilization is a recommended intervention.
