PYOMETRA IN YOUR PET

Pathophysiology

The word pyometra can be divided into two root words pyo means pus, and metra refers to the uterus.

Pyometra starts after a dog goes through a heat cycle, usually within about 3 to 5 weeks. Stimulation of the uterus with abnormal levels of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) cause the lining of the uterus to become thickened and fluid accumulates inside the uterus. Infection develops in the uterus , as the infection progresses, the uterus fills with pus. If the pet has closed pyometra the cervix is not open and pus cannot drain to the outside. If open pyometra is present, the pus can drain through the cervix. The infection is life-threatening; closed pyometra may cause a pet to become more ill than open pyometra.

Clinical signs

• Pus may or may not drain from the vagina/vulva
• Increased thirst/increased urination
• Enlargement of the abdomen as the uterus fills with pus
• Lethargy
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Enlargement of the abdomen
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Clinical signs are variable from pet to pet

Diagnostic tests

• Complete blood cell count usually shows an elevated white count
• Chemistry profile to evaluate function of internal organs
• Radiographs of the abdomen
• Ultrasound of the uterus (shows a uterus filled with pus - black structure)
• Culture of the pus from the uterus
• Biopsy of the uterus if cancer is suspected

Treatment

• Fluid therapy via an IV to correct dehydration
• Antibiotics
• Transfusions of plasma, Hetastarch, whole blood
• Surgical removal of the uterus; photo below shows a very enlarged uterus that is filled with pus.

Nonsurgical Treatment

• Fluid therapy
• Antibiotics
• Prostaglandins help the uterus to expel pus and alters the hormone levels of the ovaries.
• This treatment should not be used if the pet is quite ill
• This treatment should not be used if your pet has closed pyometra
• This treatment may not work and surgery will need to be done
• If this treatment is successful, the next time the dog goes through heat, pyometra will usually recur unless the dog is bred and becomes pregnant.

Aftercare

• Antibiotic therapy
• Restrict activity for 3 weeks
• Encourage eating and drinking
• Check incision for signs of infection

Potential complications

• Anesthetic death
• Bladder infection
• Peritonitis, which is infection of the abdomen
• Abdominal abscess formation
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is a clotting disorder from the infection and causes death in many patients.
• Sepsis – poisoning of the body by toxins from bacteria
• Prevention of pyometra
• Simply having your pet spayed at a young age will prevent pyometra and will decrease the risk of mammary cancer.

Posted in: pyometra,veterinary