Dog Pyometra - What Is It?

Dog pyometra is a very serious infection of the uterus. In a nutshell, the uterus becomes filled with pus. And unless the infected uterus is removed surgically, it can be fatal.

So let's take a closer look at what dog pyometra is, and what causes pyometra in a dog.

What is pyometra?

First you should understand that pyometra in dogs is not all that uncommon, and occurs in older unspayed females. It is seen in both unbred females and also those that have previously had litters. Generally it occurs somewhere between a week to 90 days after a heat has ended.

During a heat cycle, the cervix of the dog opens, which can potentially allow bacteria to enter. When the cervix closes, the bacteria is trapped inside. Typically the immune system will fight off infection, but not always.

The disease is often caused when the female hormones are imbalanced. The primary culprit is progesterone. An overactive uterus lining results and secretions build up in the cavity of the uterus and often result in distention.

The good news is that pyometra is fairly easy to diagnose. Naturally you'll want to know when her most recent heat was, but there are plenty of clinical signs as well. Look for standard digestive problems like eating less, diarrhea and vomiting. The abdomen will be swollen due to the build up of pus. There can also be listless behavior and your dog may drink more than normal. If the cervix is open there will be a foul smelling vaginal discharge. This is actually good since it will cut down on the abdominal pressure and toxins generally associated with the disease.

If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to a vet. He will likely confirm the disease through an x-ray which should easily reveal the larger, pus filled uterus and will also rule out pregnancy. A blood count may also be needed. This will show how bad the infection is and how well the organs are functioning. The white blood cell count will likely be up to 10 times higher than normal.

At this point the primary recourse is surgery. There are occasions where medical treatment can knock out the infection, but since the cause has not been eliminated, even after the dog recovers she likely will have the problem again after the next heat.

Naturally, since there is an infection, there is also a risk with surgery. The risk is even greater is other conditions like heart or kidney disease are present. But the risk is not as great as having the uterus rupture, which would likely be fatal. Removing the diseased organ both increases the dog's chance of a full recovery and eliminates the chance of it every happening again.

The single best guide for any animal owner (dog or otherwise) is the Merck Veterinary Manual. We truly believe no pet owner should be without it.