Pyometra in Dogs: A Life-Threatening Emergency
Understanding the signs of pyometra and knowing when to seek emergency veterinary care can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through what pyometra is, its causes, symptoms, and how it can be treated and prevented. At Emergency Veterinary Care Centers, we are always here for you and your pet, providing expert, compassionate care when you need it most.
Knowing the warning signs and when to seek emergency care can save your dog’s life. This guide explains what pyometra is, what causes it, the symptoms to watch for, and how it’s treated and prevented.
What is Pyometra?
So, what exactly is this condition? Pyometra is a serious bacterial infection of the uterus (or womb) in unspayed female dogs and cats. The name literally means "pus-filled uterus." Following a heat cycle, hormonal changes can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, leading to a dangerous accumulation of pus inside the uterine walls.
While pyometra is certainly a risk in unspayed female cats, it is relatively uncommon compared to the rates in unspayed female dogs. Regardless, pyometra is always considered a medical emergency. If left untreated, the infection can lead to septic shock, kidney failure, and death.
There are two types of pyometra, and the clinical signs can differ slightly between them:
- Open Pyometra: In this form, the cervix remains open, allowing pus and infected vaginal discharge to drain from the dog's vulva. You might notice a foul-smelling, bloody, or yellowish discharge on your dog’s bedding or fur. While the drainage is unpleasant, it can be a clear warning sign that something is wrong.
- Closed Pyometra: Unlike open pyometra, the cervix is closed, trapping the infection inside the uterus. As pus accumulates, the uterus can expand and even rupture, releasing a massive amount of bacteria into the abdominal cavity. This quickly leads to sepsis and is often fatal if not treated urgently. Dogs with closed pyometra tend to become sick much more rapidly.
Causes and Risk Factors
Pyometra is a complex condition caused by a combination of hormonal and bacterial factors. It almost always occurs in unspayed female dogs, typically within a few weeks to a few months after a heat cycle.
Here's how it typically develops:
1. Hormonal Changes: After a heat cycle (estrus), a dog's body produces high levels of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy by thickening its lining and suppressing uterine contractions.
2. Uterine Environment: These hormonal changes also make the uterus a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The thickened lining provides nutrients, and the lack of contractions means bacteria aren't easily expelled.
3. Bacterial Infection: The uterus most often becomes infected via the ascent of fecally-derived bacteria, such as E. coli, from the vagina in the same manner as ascending urinary tract infections. Because the immune system is suppressed in the uterus during this time, the bacteria can multiply without resistance, leading to a severe infection.
Any unspayed female dog is at risk, but there are two factors that increase the likelihood of developing pyometra:
- Age: It is most common in middle-aged to older dogs (6 years and older), but it can occur in dogs as young as six months old.
- Heat Cycles: The risk increases with each heat cycle the dog experiences without becoming pregnant.
Symptoms of Pyometra
The symptoms of pyometra can be vague at first, but they tend to worsen quickly. Because this condition is so serious, it's crucial to recognize the signs and act fast. If your unspayed female dog seems "off," especially a few weeks after her heat cycle, pay close attention.
Common symptoms include...
- Lethargy or depression
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- A swollen or distended abdomen
- Pus-like discharge from the vulva (in open pyometra)
- Fever
- Panting or rapid breathing
In cases of closed pyometra, where no discharge is visible, dogs often become critically ill very suddenly. They may collapse or show signs of severe abdominal pain.
If you notice any of these signs of pyometra, it cannot be overstated enough—head to your closest emergency vet immediately.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Pyometra
When a dog arrives at the clinic with suspected pyometra, our emergency teams act quickly to confirm the diagnosis. A physical exam may reveal a fever, dehydration, or painful abdomen.
To get a definitive diagnosis, we typically use the following tests:
- Bloodwork: A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel can show signs of infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count, and assess organ function, particularly the kidneys.
- X-rays (Radiographs): An X-ray of the abdomen can often reveal an enlarged, fluid-filled uterus.
- Ultrasound: At times that distension is not readily apparent, an abdominal ultrasound can allow the veterinarian to see the thickened uterine walls and fluid accumulation more specifically.
Once pyometra is confirmed, treatment begins immediately.
Immediate Treatment for Pyometra
The preferred and most effective treatment for pyometra is emergency surgery. An ovariohysterectomy involves the complete removal of the infected uterus and ovaries. It is essentially a spay, but it is a much more complex surgery when performed on a sick animal with a fragile, infected uterus.
The goal is to remove the source of the infection before the uterus ruptures. Dogs undergoing this surgery will require intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and careful monitoring before, during, and after the procedure.
After surgery, your pet will likely be hospitalized for at least 48 hours to correct dehydration and manage post-operative pain. This is of course, depending on how quickly the pyometra was diagnosed and how “sick” your pet is. While this level of care can understandably place a significant financial strain* on many pet owners, surgery gives the patient the best possible chance of survival.
Our veterinarians understand that financial constraints are a very understandable reality for many pet owners. That’s why we offer many financing options such as CareCredit, VetBilling and direct claim submitting for Trupanion insurance holders.
Prevention = The Best Medicine
The only guaranteed way to prevent pyometra is to spay your pet. Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. By removing these organs, you eliminate the hormonal fluctuations and the site where the infection can occur.
Spaying your dog also prevents uterine and ovarian cancers, eliminates heat cycles and associated behavioral changes, and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors by up to 90% when done before the first heat cycle.
We recommend spaying dogs before their first heat cycle for the greatest health benefits. However, it's never too late to spay an adult dog to prevent this life-threatening condition.
Trust Your Instincts
Pyometra is a frightening diagnosis, but awareness is your greatest tool. Knowing the risks and recognizing the symptoms early can save your dog's life.
If your dog displays any signs that could indicate pyometra, don’t hesitate; seek help right away. As an emergency veterinary hospital, we’re available around the clock to deliver the dedicated care your pet needs.
Locate your nearest EVCC and get emergency treatment right away. Your pet’s life may depend on it.
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At Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC), we know that pet emergencies are unpredictable and often stressful. That's why our team, with over 20 years of emergency and critical care experience, is ready to assist you and your pet in the toughest situations.