The best and only prevention for pyometra is to have your dog spayed
. Spaying (whether by removing the uterus and ovaries or just the ovaries) removes the hormonal stimulation that causes both heat cycles and the uterine changes that allow pyometra to happen.
How did my dog get pyometra?
Why do dogs get pyometra? Pyometra is
caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly E. coli, and often occurs a few weeks after a female has finished a season
. This is because being in season causes the animal's body to go through hormonal changes which make the chance of infection much more likely.
What are the first signs of pyometra?
Symptoms of pyometra include early warning signs of the animal feeling unwell, such as
vomiting, refusal to eat, lethargy, increased thirst and frequent urination
. She may also appear to be uncomfortable, because pyometra is a particularly painful condition for dogs, while being somewhat less so for cats.
Can pregnant dogs have pyometra?
Since
pyometra can occur during the same time as pregnancy
, pregnancy must be ruled out as the cause of an enlarged uterus.
Can artificial insemination cause pyometra?
A pyometra is essentially an infection inside the uterus of female dogs and cats. It is usually happens following a prolonged heat cycle in older females, but
can also occur after a failed mating or artificial insemination
.
Can a female dog get pyometra after being spayed?
My dog has been spayed, can she still have a pyometra?
It's technically possible for a dog to get pyometra after she has been spayed, in one very rare circumstance
. Affected dogs usually suffer with Ovarian Remnant Syndrome. They have a small piece of ovary left behind after their spay.
How can pyometra be prevented without spaying?
If you don't want to spay your dog because you want to breed her, you can reduce the risk of pyometra by
having her get pregnant multiple times
. Plan out multiple sequential breedings, and then have her spayed when you are finished breeding her.
How can I tell if my dog has pyometra?
- Mucous or bloody vaginal discharge (may or may not be present)
- Lethargy or low energy.
- Drinking more and urinating more.
- Vomiting.
- Anorexia (decreased or absent appetite)
- Heat cycle may seem to last longer.
- Licking the vulva more than normal.
- Swollen or painful abdomen.
What are the chances of a dog getting pyometra?
Pyometra is a medical emergency that, if left untreated, is usually fatal. Pyometra will affect roughly
1 in 4 non-spayed females before the age of 10 years, but can occur in dogs older than this
.
How long does it take for pyometra to develop?
The most common time for a pyometra to develop is
four to eight weeks after a heat/season
. Neutering your dog will prevent pyometra. A pyometra is an emergency – contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment if your dog is showing symptoms.
How do vets test for pyometra?
As for looking for structural abnormalities,
an x-ray or ultrasound of the abdomen
could be done to see if the uterus is enlarged. An ultrasound can also identify thickened uterine walls and the presence of fluid in the uterus.
Can antibiotics cure pyometra?
Can pyometra in dogs be treated with antibiotics?
No, pyometrea can not be treated with antibiotics alone
. The amount of pus in the uterus prevents any antibiotic that's administered orally or subcutaneously from penetrating the infection.
Is pyometra rare in dogs?
Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in dogs and cats. It is
relatively common
, affecting approximately 25% of unspayed female dogs and cats. It is a serious condition which results in a variety of clinical and pathological signs requiring emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus.
Should I spay my dog to avoid pyometra?
Medical benefits
Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.
Spaying helps prevent uterine infections (pyometra) and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs
. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
