The two types of pyometra in dogs are classified by the state of the cervix (open or closed), which dictates how the infection presents: Community Care Veterinary Specialists +1
Without surgery or a successful prostaglandin injection, it's very unlikely that a dog will recover from pyometra. If treatment is not performed as soon as possible, the toxic bacteria will be fatal.
Vague signs such as lethargy, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and increased drinking and urinating are often present (but not always). If a vaginal discharge is present this lends to a strong suspicion of pyometra, however, it is not always present. There are two types of pyometra – open and closed.
Why do dogs get pyometra? Pyometra is caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly E. coli, and often occurs a few weeks after a female has finished a season. This is because being in season causes the animal's body to go through hormonal changes which make the chance of infection much more likely.
Any female dog that has not been spayed can develop a pyometra, but they are more common in middle-aged to older female dogs who have been through multiple heat cycles.
Pyometra is often mistakenly confused with urinary tract infections (UTIs) by pet owners. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus, usually caused by a hormonal imbalance created by alterations in the normal heat cycle. A dog suffering from pyometra may display signs of vaginitis and discharge coming from the vulva.
How do we treat pyometra? Unfortunately this infection can not be treated by antibiotics alone. The best treatment for this problem is to have emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus (an ovariohysterectomy or spay).
Tips for Preventing Pyometra in Dogs
Pets with closed pyometra will often show similar signs as pets with open pyometra (vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite, increased thirst and/or urination, fever), but they tend to progress more rapidly (over hours to 1-3 days) and will often become very sick very quickly.
Dogs with pyometra may appear tired, depressed, or withdrawn. You may notice behavioral changes such as refusal to eat, increased thirst, restlessness, or painful urination. If you observe fever in female dogs or unusual vaginal discharge, seek veterinary care immediately.
Symptoms of Open Pyometra
The most common cause of pyometra is malignant diseases of genital tract and the consequences of their treatment (radiotherapy). Other causes are benign tumors like leiomyoma, endometrial polyps, senile cervicitis, cervical occlusion after surgery, puerperal infections, and congenital cervical anomalies.
Pyometra, a bacterial infection in the uterus, is the most prevalent reproductive disease in dogs, impacting up to 25% of non-castrated females [1].
Pyometra recovery at home
Dogs with closed pyometra become severely ill very rapidly. They are anorectic (will not eat), listless, and depressed. Vomiting or diarrhea may also be present. Toxins released by the bacteria affect the kidney's ability to retain fluid.
In an open pyometra, vaginal discharge occurs. The discharge may have a foul odor, which could smell like fish. You may find discharge under the dog's tail or in areas where your dog sits or lies. Of course, if your dog begins to exhibit signs of potential pyometra, seek veterinary assistance as quickly as possible.
A dog with pyometra typically cannot survive long without treatment. The infection can progress rapidly, leading to severe illness and potentially death within days to weeks if left untreated.
All breeds are susceptible to pyometra; however, it has been observed that there is an increased risk in rough-coated Collies, Rottweilers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Chow chow, Irish Terrier, Airedale Terrier and Bernese Mountain dogs (Smith, 2006), while some dog breeds ...
Many dogs will not pass faeces for the first 4 to 5 days after surgery. Many dogs will not pass faeces for the first four to five days after surgery. Reasons include, but are not limited to: The dog has been fasted prior to surgery.
While food allergies can contribute to skin irritation and make dogs more susceptible to bacterial infections, food is not a direct cause of pyoderma.
Multiple complications associated with pyometra have been reported, including peritonitis and cervical stump abscessation, wound infection, wound swelling, fistulous tract development, sepsis, haemorrhage, uveitis, conjunctivitis, pyelonephritis, arrhythmia, urinary tract infection and myocarditis [3, 6–8].
All cases of pyometra should be treated as serious medical emergencies. Early signs might include subtle behavior changes or small amounts of discharge. Advanced cases present with severe low energy, swollen stomach, fever, and visible pus-like discharge.
No, it is not safe to leave your dog unsupervised immediately after surgery. Continuous observation is recommended especially for at least the first 72 hours post-op because pets may disorient or injure themselves.
Usually, pyometra will occur between two and eight weeks after your dog's last season. It's also more common in older female dogs.
How Long Does Pyometra Surgery Take? The procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour to perform in most cases, including the needed time for preparation and anesthesia. In some cases, especially in obese or large-breed dogs the procedure can take longer and may require two surgeons.