Animals – Pyometra in Dogs

A pyometra is an infection of the uterus and can be life-threatening. It only occurs in female dogs that haven’t been desexed and usually develops in the weeks following a heat. In the last few months, the clinic has seen a number of cases of dogs with pyometras.

A pyometra may be open or closed. An open pyometra means the cervix is open, allowing some of the infected material inside the uterus to drain out. Owners might notice a bloody, creamy or pus-like discharge around the vulva, on bedding or where their dog has been sitting. With a closed pyometra, the cervix is closed, so there may be no discharge at all. Instead, infected fluid builds up inside the uterus and the dog can become very sick, very quickly. Although either type can rupture, this is more likely with a closed pyometra. These dogs also tend to present more acutely and can be extremely ill.

The most common signs are often fairly generic. The dog may be a bit flat, off food, drinking and urinating more than usual, licking her vulva, vomiting or panting. She may look slightly bloated or seem uncomfortable if touched around her belly. It is worth keeping track of when your dog was last in heat, as this can be a really helpful clue for us.

Once diagnosed, our first goal is to stabilise the dog and assess how severely the infection has affected her. This will usually involve blood tests, intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Once she is stable enough, she will need surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries. The uterus can be very enlarged and fragile, and the dog may already be dehydrated or septic. Unfortunately, treatment for a pyometra is much more expensive than a routine spay because of stabilisation and the precautions taken due to the increased risk of anaesthetic and surgery.

The main way to prevent a pyometra is desexing. This also prevents accidental litters and can reduce the risk of mammary tumours later in life. The best age to desex could be an article in itself, as it is not completely straightforward and recommendations have changed over time. Individual dogs will have different needs, so if you aren’t sure, feel free to contact the clinic and discuss it with one of our vets.