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Pyometra

Pyometra is an infection of the uterus: the uterine cavity fills with pus. It occurs in unsterilized female dogs, almost always in the weeks following heat. Under the influence of hormones, the lining of the uterus thickens and becomes an i...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Pyometra is an infection of the uterus: the uterine cavity fills with pus.

It occurs in unsterilized female dogs, almost always in the weeks following heat. Under the influence of hormones, the lining of the uterus thickens and becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that come up from the vagina.

It's an emergency. The infection releases toxins into the blood, attacks the kidneys and can progress to shock within a few days. A ruptured uterus causes an infection of the abdomen that is often fatal.

Key point

Pyometra is an emergency: an unsterilized female dog who drinks a lot, is down or has vulvar discharge after heat must be seen quickly. Waiting a few days can cost the animal's life.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Vulvar discharge Drinks a lot Urine a lot Reduction Loss of appetite Vomiting Fever Dehydration Swelling Fatigue

Despondency, unusual fatigue, dog who no longer comes to welcome, who remains in bed.

Loss of appetite or complete refusal to eat.

Very increased thirst and copious urine: often the first sign noticed at home.

Discharge from the vulva, purulent, brownish or bloody, sometimes smelly, with a female dog licking her hindquarters a lot. This is the so-called open form, the easiest to spot.

In the closed form, the cervix remains closed: there is no discharge, pus accumulates, the belly swells and the female dog deteriorates faster. It is the most dangerous form, precisely because it is silent.

Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration.

Fever in only some bitches: a normal temperature does not rule out the diagnosis.

In advanced forms: very pale or gray mucous membranes, rapid breathing, dog unable to get up.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

After the heat, progesterone prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy: its wall thickens, its glands secrete, and local defenses against microbes decrease.

Bacteria normally present in the vagina, most often colibacilli from the digestive tract, then go up into the uterus and multiply there.

This cycle repeats itself with each heat, which explains why the risk increases with the number of cycles and therefore with age.

Hormonal treatments intended to prevent or interrupt heat, as well as those used after an unwanted mating, clearly increase this risk.

Non-sterilized dog: this is the basic condition. A fully sterilized female dog can no longer have pyometra.

Mature age: the risk increases significantly after a few years of cycles, but a young female dog can be affected.

Period of two months following the heat.

Administration of hormonal treatments to block heat or after accidental mating.

Dog who has never had a litter, according to several clinical observations.

History of false pregnancy or genital infections.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Consult without delay: the diagnosis is made quickly and time counts.

The veterinarian performs a complete examination, takes the temperature, feels the stomach and examines the vulva.

An ultrasound of the abdomen shows the uterus dilated and filled with fluid: this is the key examination, including in the closed form where nothing flows.

An x-ray can be used in addition.

A blood test assesses infection, the condition of the kidneys and liver, and hydration; A urinalysis is performed with caution, as urinary infection is often associated.

Always report the date of the last heat and any hormonal treatment received: these are decisive elements.

Treatment

The standard treatment is surgical: removal of the uterus and ovaries removes the source of the infection. It is accompanied by an infusion, antibiotics and painkillers, before, during and after the procedure.

Operated on time, the dog most often recovers quickly. The operation is riskier than a convenience sterilization, because it is carried out on a sick dog: this is a reason not to wait, not a reason to hesitate.

Medical treatment exists, reserved for specific situations: young dog, in good general condition, open form, reproductive value and close monitoring possible. It is based on hormonal medications that cause the uterus to empty, combined with antibiotics. It takes longer, is not always successful, and recurrence during the next heat is frequent.

No home treatment, no herbal tea and no antibiotic kept from a previous prescription resolves pyometra: they only delay treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Complete sterilization, removing the uterus and ovaries, permanently eliminates the risk of pyometra. This is the best established preventive effect of this intervention.

The choice and timing of sterilization are discussed with the veterinarian, taking into account the breed, age, lifestyle and reproduction plans.

Avoid repeated hormonal treatments intended to block or interrupt heat, unless specifically indicated by a veterinarian.

Carefully monitor the unsterilized female dog in the two months following each heat: thirst, appetite, behavior and cleanliness of the vulva.

Possible complications

Passage of bacteria and their toxins into the blood, with shock.

Kidney damage, sometimes lasting.

Rupture of the uterus and infection of the abdomen, a formidable complication.

Coagulation disorders.

In the closed form, the deterioration is more rapid and the prognosis more reserved.

After medical treatment, frequent recurrence during the following heat.

When to see a veterinarian

Your unsterilized dog drinks and urinates a lot more than before in the weeks following her heat: consult quickly, without waiting the next day if she is also depressed.

A discharge comes out of her vulva, purulent, brownish or smelly.

She is depressed, refuses to eat, vomits or appears dehydrated.

Her stomach swells and she deteriorates without any discharge being visible: this is the closed form, the most dangerous.

She no longer gets up, breathes quickly or has very pale mucous membranes: immediate life-threatening emergency.

Prognosis

Caught in time and operated on, the dog recovers in the vast majority of cases and returns to normal life in one to two weeks.

The prognosis becomes significantly worse when the infection has had time to spread to the blood, reach the kidneys or rupture the uterus.

It is a disease where the consultation time weighs more than anything else on the outcome.

Frequently asked questions

My dog has no discharge, does this rule out pyometra?

No, on the contrary. In the closed form, the cervix remains closed: pus accumulates without coming out, the belly swells and the general condition deteriorates more quickly. This is the most serious form.

Can pyometra be treated with antibiotics alone?

No. Antibiotics alone do not empty the pus-filled uterus. They are part of the care, but do not replace it.

Does sterilization really prevent this disease?

Yes, when she removes the uterus and ovaries. This is one of the best demonstrated benefits of sterilization. The moment and the technique are decided with your veterinarian according to the dog.

Can my dog still have puppies after pyometra?

After surgery, no. Medical treatment can preserve fertility in selected cases, but recurrence during the following heat is common: this option is discussed on a case-by-case basis with the veterinarian.

What is the deadline that must not be exceeded?

There is no certain deadline. The condition may deteriorate in one or two days. Faced with the signs described, the consultation is done the same day.