Understanding Pyometra in Dogs: Dangers and Key Clinical Signs
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Pyometra is a potentially life threatening condition that can occur in entire female dogs (undesexed female dogs). This disease leads to a buildup of pus in the uterus and requires immediate veterinary care. Understanding pyometra's dangers and its clinical signs is essential so that dog owners can take swift action and safeguard their pets' health.
What is Pyometra?
Pyometra occurs following a recent heat cycle - at approximately 2-8 weeks following the end of bleeding. During this time, hormonal shifts may cause the uterine lining to thicken, making it more vulnerable to infection. There are two types of pyometra: open and closed. In open pyometra, the cervix remains open, allowing pus to drain out. By contrast, a closed pyometra has a closed cervix, meaning the pus cannot exit the body and can quickly lead to a widespread infection that can cause death.
Dangers of Pyometra and Key Clinical Signs
The dangers of pyometra can lead to severe complications if not addressed. If untreated, the dog may experience sepsis, a life-threatening systemic infection. Furthermore, the uterus may rupture, resulting in peritonitis, an inflammation that can spread toxins throughout the body.
As the situation worsens, a dog may show increased symptoms of illness, such as:
Increased Thirst and Urination: Owners may notice their dog drinking more water and needing to urinate more often due to the infection's impact on hormones.
Vaginal Discharge: For dogs with open pyometra, a distinctive foul-smelling discharge may be present. This is a major sign that something is wrong.
Lethargy: Dogs suffering from this condition frequently show signs of fatigue, not displaying interest in their surroundings.
Loss of Appetite: A dog may completely refuse food, leading to further health issues.
Abdominal Swelling: In certain cases, you might see a noticeable swelling in the abdomen due to pus accumulation.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect your dog may have pyometra, immediate veterinary care is vital. Typically, a veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasounds to confirm the diagnosis. This was the case recently in our clinic for a beautiful Staffy patient called Olive, whose owner bought her in for showing all the suspected signs listed above. Olive had bloods and an ultrasound performed which confirmed the diagnosis (as per picture to the left).
The treatment primarily involves surgery—removing the infected uterus and ovaries through a procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. This was the case for Miss Olive who is pictured below. The prompt action of her owners to seek vet care saved her life and within a week she was back to her bouncy bright self!
Final Thoughts
Addressing pyometra is crucial for the health of your unspayed female dog. Understanding its dangers and recognizing the critical symptoms can ultimately save her life. If you observe any of the mentioned signs in your dog, seek professional veterinary help without delay. Remember, in patients where later age desexing is recommended for other health benefits - close monitoring following a heat cycle is essential. Regular check-ups and having your dog spayed are highly recommended steps to significantly reduce the risk of pyometra and promote a healthier life for your furry companion.
Written by:
Dr Tegan Hadley
BSC (Hons), DVM