Dog Pyometra

Pyometra is a uterine infection in dogs. This infection usually occurs in unspayed dogs and can also be fatal. During the female dog heat cycle or the estrus cycle, their cervix relaxes and opens a little. This opening can allow the bacteria to enter the uterus of the dog. When the cervix closes the bacteria gets trapped inside the uterus. Usually the body is able to fight off the bacteria, but if sometimes the immunity of the dog’s body is compromised then pyometra can develop. The bacteria which usually causes pyometra is known as E. Coli.

There are also other bacteria which are known to cause this infection. Dogs in their middle age, old age or within their last 60 days of their last heat cycle are prone to pyometra infections. There are certain symptoms which can help identifying this condition. Pyometra infections can be open or closed. In case of an open pyometra, the cervix is open and there is a foul smelling discharge from the cervix. There is no discharge seen in closed pyometra. Closed pyometra is difficult to diagnose since there are no evident symptoms seen. In case of a closed pyometra, the dog is sicker since the infection in the body is retained in the uterus.

If one sees such symptoms in their pet dog, take her to the vet immediately. The vet will probably run a blood test and take an X-ray of the abdomen. The X-ray helps in ruling out pregnancy and shows the enlarged uterus. The preferred treatment for canine pyometra is an ovariohysterectomy. This process is commonly known as spay. Most of the times, the dog is very sick and hence the surgery is a risk. But it is risk which cannot be avoided because if the uterus ruptures, the dog might go in a shock and die. After the surgery, the dog needs proper medication and IV fluids. If the infection has not progressed too much, the condition can be healed without a surgery. However, non-surgical treatments show recurrence of the infection in almost 26% to 40% of the female dogs. One needs to take care of the pet after this surgery. Keep a close watch on the incision to see if the incision comes back. If one sees redness, swelling or discharge near the incision area, immediately seek the vet’s advice. Follow closely all the instructions given by the vet.