By Dr. Estelle Felarise, St. Tammany Humane Society Medical Director & Amanda Matthew, STHS Veterinary Assistant
Fluffy is a normal happy female dog. She greets her owners at the door every day. One day they notice that Fluffy isn’t running around like normal and has not been eating the past few days. They schedule an appointment with their veterinarian. While the veterinary assistant is taking a complete history, they note that she was just in heat a few weeks prior. After the veterinarian does a complete physical, they notice some colored discharge from Fluffy’s vulva. X-rays and Bloodwork are done and confirm that Fluffy has a pyometra.
A pyometra is when the uterus fills with infection. This can be open or closed. If open, the pet owner may notice discharge from their vulva, but if closed the pet can show no symptoms before suddenly becoming ill. This occurs when a female dog goes into heat and her cervix opens. Bacteria enter through the open cervix into the uterus. When the heat cycle is finished, the cervix closes trapping the bacteria inside. Symptoms owners notice can range from inappetence, lethargy, and discharge from the vulva.
Why is this Life Threating?
With the uterus so full of infection, there is a risk of it bursting and allowing the infection to spread all over the body causing sepsis. Oral antibiotics alone cannot cure this infection. Surgery is the only curative treatment. Additionally, the pet can be in critical condition making surgery and recovery more difficult than a heathy pet.
Can this be prevented?
It can! Spaying your female dog will prevent your pet from ever facing this situation. Spays tend to run around $100-$200 dollars while pyometra surgery can cost $1000-$1500.
What exactly is a spay?
Spay? A spay is an ovariohysterectomy. During a spay the uterus and ovaries are removed, eliminating the chance for a pyometra or uterine cancer and even reducing the risk of mammary cancer. Spaying your pet at an early age can also prevent many harmful and life threatening situations. Spaying won’t change your dog’s personality and will not make them overweight. We recommend talking with your veterinary specialist for more information on spaying your pet.
Is it too late to spay my pet and prevent a pyometra?
It is never too late to spay your pet. If your pet is older, bloodwork may be recommended before surgery.
What does our veterinary team want you to know?
We want to help you make the best decisions for your pet. Many people just forgot about spaying their animal until they are diagnosed with a pyometra. If the surgery is scheduled after their last puppy boosters there is a less chance of forgetting. We want them to live long, healthy lives with your family because that's what every pet deserves!