Pyometra in pets; Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Pyometra is a severe uterus infection that affects more female dogs than cats. The disease is most rampant in the first two to twelve weeks after the pet’s heat cycle.
The classification of the condition is either as closed, open or stump, depending on the bulging outer material through the valve. Whichever the case, the situation is difficult to detect at home since most people don’t know about its existence.
Our vets know the very early symptoms of this disease, thus can help curb it with timely dog examination.
Symptoms
Some of the early signs include
• Behavioral changes; frequent urination, little appetite, increased thirst, lethargy
• Disease progressive indications; noticeable discharge from vagina, vomiting and bloating
However, id the cervix remains close; then you might not notice any release, which is very dangerous.
Causes
Although there is no one reason for the onset of the condition, we believe it’s due to the open cervix after the heat period or after pregnancy. Through this, the entry of bacteria mixes with the secretion of progesterone causing endometrium, to boost infection rates.
Types of Pyometra
There are three types of this infection:
Closed– this is so far what we refer to as the most deadly of them all. There is no room for pus release, so it keeps pilling up in the uterus. Also, early detection is almost impossible, thus leading to death.
Open– unlike with closed, you can notice the abnormal smelly discharge, hence seek timely intervention. We, however, still classify it as an emergency due to an increase in organ damage rate.
Stump– they are rare but dangerous and typically occur in animals undergoing routine spay procedures, due to left tissues. With symptoms similar to the primary Pyometra, this condition is equally hazardous and difficult to detect.
Treatment
Before any administration of therapy to your pup, we examine them to detect the severity of the condition and the type of Pyometra through X-0ray and Ultrasound.
Afterward, your dog undergoes emergency ovariohysterectomy or sometimes spay, which in most cases means the removal of both the uterus and ovaries.
The recovery period will, however, depend on the age and general well-being of your dog. Young pets recover faster than the older pups.
Prevention
The best form of prevention is to ensure your dog undergoes successful spaying before their first heating season. You can also keenly examine your pet for timely detection of changes in behavior after their seasons.
Sources: Pets 4 Homes, Animal Wise, Dutton Road Vet Clinic, Erie Pet Emergency
