Pyometra in Dogs

Pyometra in Dogs

By: Dr. Cathy Reese

Section: Overview

After obtaining a medical history, your veterinarian will examine your dog completely, including checking for a fever, palpating her abdomen, and performing a vaginal exam to check for tumors or other abnormalities.

Blood tests are often submitted to look for abnormal whiteCrystal Eye 4oz
Four Paws Crystal Eye (4 oz.) is a safe tear stain remover for dogs and cats. Crystal Eye can also be used on boxers, bulldogs, shar-peis and similar ...
cell counts, which could indicate the presence of an infection and abnormalities in kidney function, which can develop secondary to a pyometra. Urine tests are also submitted to check the patient's kidney function and look for a urinary tract infection.

X-rays (radiographs) of the abdomen are taken to look for a fluid filled uterus, which is suggestive of a pyometra and an abdominal ultrasound to look for a fluid filled uterus and also to rule out an early pregnancy.

Treatment

The ideal treatment for pyometra is an ovariohysterectomy (spay).

Before surgery is performed, some patients may require emergency stabilization in the form of intravenous fluids and antibiotics, especially if septic shock or kidney failure have developed.

Medical therapy alone is not recommended. There is a high recurrence rate with hormonal treatment, and there is a two-day delay in its effectiveness, which could risk the patient's life.

Home Care and Prevention

There isn't any home care for pyometra. Once treated, monitor your dog's appetite, demeanor, drinking and urination habits so that you will notice any changes. If surgery was performed, monitor the incision for normal healing.

The only way to prevent pyometra is to have your dog spayed.

 
Printable Version
 
Have a Pet Question?
Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
Dr. Jon's Newsletter
Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
 
 

Related Articles

  • 1 Vaginitis in Dogs

    Vaginitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the vagina. It is more common in dogs than in cats and is often seen in dogs less than one year of age. Other causes include foreign bodies, urinary...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2 Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy) in Dogs

    Spaying is a surgical procedure in which both ovaries and most of the uterus are removed from the body. This procedure is usually done to prevent pregnancy but is also important in the treatment of certain...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3 Metritis in Dogs

    Metritis is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the uterus. Unlike pyometra, metritis most often develops just after giving birth and may be associated with a retained fetus or placenta....

    Read MoreRead More
  • 4 Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs

    Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...

    Read MoreRead More
Related Articles
  • 1Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs

    Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy) in Dogs

    Spaying is a surgical procedure in which both ovaries and most of the uterus are removed from the body. This procedure is usually done to prevent pregnancy but is also important in the treatment of certain...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3Metritis in Dogs

    Metritis is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the uterus. Unlike pyometra, metritis most often develops just after giving birth and may be associated with a retained fetus or placenta....

    Read MoreRead More
  • 4Vaginitis in Dogs

    Vaginitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the vagina. It is more common in dogs than in cats and is often seen in dogs less than one year of age. Other causes include foreign bodies, urinary...

    Read MoreRead More
 

Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

Related Articles
  • 1Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs

    Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy) in Dogs

    Spaying is a surgical procedure in which both ovaries and most of the uterus are removed from the body. This procedure is usually done to prevent pregnancy but is also important in the treatment of certain...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3Metritis in Dogs

    Metritis is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the uterus. Unlike pyometra, metritis most often develops just after giving birth and may be associated with a retained fetus or placenta....

    Read MoreRead More
  • 4Vaginitis in Dogs

    Vaginitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the vagina. It is more common in dogs than in cats and is often seen in dogs less than one year of age. Other causes include foreign bodies, urinary...

    Read MoreRead More