What are the signs of pyometra?
Pyometra is obviously only seen in females (since males do not have a womb). It is more common in olderfemales (above 6 years of age). The signs usually develop around 6 weeks after the female has finishedbleeding from her last season. Early signs of pyometra may not be very obvious. You might notice thatyour pet is just licking her back end more than usual. She may be off colour and off her food. Often she willbe very thirsty and because she is drinking so much may start to wet in the house. Sometimes the pusescapes from the womb and a reddish-brown or yellow discharge may be seen at the vulva. As she getsmore ill she may start to vomit, become very depressed and unwilling to get out of her bed.Symptoms are likely to worsen over a period of days to several weeks. If untreated signs progress todehydration, collapse and death from toxic shock.
How do vets diagnose pyometra?
Your vet will probably suspect what is wrong with your pet from your description of the symptoms althoughthey may want to do some other tests to confirm the diagnosis and also to make sure that your pet is wellenough to withstand an operation. Blood tests may be taken to see if the toxins from the infection haveentered the blood and could be affecting organs elsewhere. X-ray and ultrasound examinations may beundertaken to confirm that the uterus is enlarged. Is there any treatment for pyometra? Once the diagnosis has been confirmed your pet should have an operation to remove her womb as soonas possible. This is the same operation as carried out to routinely spay a female dog, however in a sickanimal suffering from pyometra it carries much more risk. The risk of not operating is even higher; mostanimals will die if surgery is not performed. If the womb is not removed, toxins are released from theinfection which get into her blood and make her more and more ill. Eventually these toxins can cause kidney failure.Before performing the operation your vet may want to give your pet some fluids (into her vein) andantibiotic treatment. Surgery might be delayed for 12-24 hours to give your vet time to get your pet into abetter condition to tolerate the surgery. She may need to stay in hospital after surgery for continuedtreatment.Very occasionally dogs have been treated with special hormone injections to empty the womb withouthaving to perform an operation. However, this treatment is only considered in valuable breeding bitchesand is often not successful.In very old animals with pyometra and clear evidence of organ failure, eg kidney and liver failure, or whereother major problems such as serious heart disease exist, euthanasia may be the kindest option.