What are the first signs of pyometra in dogs?
While there are a number of common dog health problems that every pet owner should know about, there are a few that are considerably more serious. If you own a female dog, one condition in particular could potentially be life-threatening.
If you’ve not heard of pyometra – which can also be referred to as pyo, for short – it’s an infection of the womb or uterus in dogs.
We ask experts everything to know about the serious condition, from first signs for dog owners to look out for, to the breeds more at risk.
What is pyometra?
Pyometra is a very serious infection of the uterus that can be life-threatening if not caught early enough. The PDSA explains: "During a dog’s season (heat), hormones are released that increase the risk of a bacterial infection developing inside the womb. If an infection does take hold, the womb will fill with pus (pyometra), which tends to cause severe illness."
A pyometra can also either be open or closed, but both will require treatment. “An open pyometra is when the cervix (womb entrance) is open. This type of pyometra tends to be more obvious, because you are likely to see blood or pus,” the PDSA says.
Whereas “a closed pyometra is when the cervix is shut. This type of pyometra is particularly dangerous because you are unlikely to see any discharge. This makes it less obvious, and means pressure can build up inside the womb, putting it at risk of bursting.”
“If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure, toxaemia, dehydration and, in some cases, can prove fatal,” warns Alison Thomas, Head of Veterinary Standards at Blue Cross.
Because of this, it is important to react as quickly as possible.
What are the first signs?
Frustratingly, some of the “first signs can be quite vague and non-specific, from not eating as much, lethargy, and drinking more but can progress to vomiting,” says Olivia Jacobs, Veterinary Surgeon at Hello Vet.
“As the infection gets worse your pet may become very unwilling to move,” Alison explains. So, if you suspect that your pet might have pyometra, or it is showing any of the above symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately. “Acting fast could save their life,” she adds.
Which breeds are more prone to it?
While any breed could develop this condition, “some seem to be more likely to experience pyometra,” Alison explains. “These include Rough Collies, Rottweilers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and English Cocker Spaniels.”
It is not known why they are potentially more at risk of developing the condition, but it does help to know what to look out for, allowing you to act quickly if you notice any significant changes in their demeanour.
What age are dogs at risk of it?
The experts all agree that while it is usually and more commonly seen in older dogs who haven’t been neutered, it can happen to unspayed female dogs of any age.
“The risk increases with age, with around 25% of un-neutered female dogs succumbing to a pyometra within the first 10 years of life. By neutering a female dog, this risk is reduced instantly,” Dr Anna Foreman, Everypaw Pet Insurance's in-house Vet, comments.
Can a dog that has been spayed get pyometra?
According to Alison, “most female dogs that have been spayed will not get pyometra. But, if your dog has only had part of her womb removed during neutering and the ovaries or part of an ovary remains, they can develop an infection. This is called a ‘uterine stump pyometra’ and is very rare.”
Can antibiotics treat pyometra?
Antibiotics do not work alone in treating this condition. Usually, once the dog has developed pyometra, the only solution is emergency surgery to remove their womb.
This is because “it is difficult for oral or even intravenous antibiotics to penetrate the uterus to treat the infection,” Dr Anna explains. “The best method for treatment is to remove the uterus (alongside the ovaries) to not only treat the dog, but also prevent a pyometra from developing in the future.
"A very sick patient may need to be stabilised initially with hospitalisation and intravenous fluid therapy before they are well enough for the operation.”
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