At Northside Vets, one of the most serious, yet preventable, conditions we see in unspayed animals is pyometra. Understanding what pyometra is, how to recognise it and how we can prevent it can truly save your pet’s life.
What is Pyometra?
Pyometra is a bacterial infection of the uterus that occurs in unspayed female animals. It occurs due to hormonal changes that cause the uterine lining to thicken. This can allow bacteria to grow, leading to infection and buildup of pus inside the uterus.
There are two types of pyometra:
- Open pyometra - the cervix remains open, which allows the pus to drain from the uterus
- Closed pyometra - the cervix remains closed, which traps the infection inside the uterus. This type of pyometra is more dangerous than open as the symptoms can be more severe and yet may be harder to detect and if not treated the uterus can rupture.
Symptoms to look out for
Early signs of pyometra can be vague and easily mistaken for other illnesses. As the condition progresses, symptoms become more severe. Symptoms include:
- Lethargy, weakness
- Decreased or no appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- High temperature
- Vaginal discharge
- Panting or restlessness
Not all these symptoms may be present at once, so if you are at all concerned, please book in for a vet visit.
What happens if we don’t treat pyometra?
If left untreated, pyometra can lead to:
- Sepsis (a life-threatening bloodstream infection)
- Kidney failure
- Uterine rupture
- Shock
- Death
Pets can decline extremely quickly, so any symptoms should be taken very seriously.
How is pyometra diagnosed?
To diagnose pyometra, we typically do the following:
- A thorough physical examination
- Blood tests
- Abdominal imaging (ultrasound or radiographs)
Treatment options
The gold standard treatment for pyometra is emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries. This is called an ovariohysterectomy. This surgery is more complex and riskier than a routine spay as the patient is already sick, however it is often life-saving.
In select cases, medical management may be attempted, however this carries risks and recurrence is common.
Most pets will also require hospitalisation, IV fluids, antibiotics, pain relief and close monitoring after surgery.
Prevention
Pyometra is entirely preventable.
Spaying your pet removes their reproductive organs, which eliminates the risk of pyometra and also reduces the risk of mammary cancer and unwanted pregnancies.
Desexing your pet when they are young and healthy is far safer and less costly than an emergency pyometra surgery later in life.
We’re here to help
At Northside Vets, your pet’s health and comfort are our top priorities. If you have questions about spaying, notice concerning symptoms, or want to discuss what’s best for your pet, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Early action saves lives, and when it comes to pyometra, time truly matters.
