Pyometra

What is pyometra?

Pyometra is an inflammation of the uterus caused by bacteria. The bacteria usually enter the uterus via the vagina, especially during or after heat. The heat is the phase in the bitch's cycle in which she is fertile and can be mated by males. During this time, the bitch produces the hormone progesterone, which prepares the lining of the uterus for a possible pregnancy. If fertilization does not take place, the mucous membrane remains thickened and provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria multiply in the uterus and produce pus, which accumulates in the uterine cavity. This can lead to severe dilation of the uterus, which presses on the surrounding organs and causes pain, fever and circulatory problems. If the uterus ruptures or opens, the pus can enter the abdominal cavity or the bloodstream and lead to life-threatening peritonitis or blood poisoning.

What are the symptoms of pyometra?

The symptoms of pyometra can vary depending on the severity and stage of the disease. The most common signs are

• increased thirst and urination
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Lethargy and weakness
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Fever and shivering
• vaginal discharge (bloody, purulent or mucous)
• Swollen abdomen
• Pain in the lower abdomen

The symptoms usually appear within four to eight weeks after the last heat, but can also appear earlier or later. Some bitches show few or no symptoms, which can make diagnosis more difficult.

How is pyometra diagnosed?

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms in your bitch, you should consult a vet as soon as possible. The vet will examine your bitch thoroughly and perform a number of tests to rule out or confirm pyometra. These include

• a blood test to check for signs of inflammation, anemia and kidney function
• a urinalysis to rule out or treat a urinary tract infection
• an ultrasound scan to assess the size and shape of the uterus and detect pus build-up
• an X-ray to measure the size of the uterus and rule out other causes of a swollen abdomen
• a uterine puncture to take a sample of the pus and identify the bacteria

How is pyometra treated?

The treatment of pyometra depends on the condition of the bitch and the owner's wishes. The safest and most effective method is surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries (castration). This is an emergency procedure that should be performed as soon as possible to minimize the risk of complications. The bitch is given antibiotics and painkillers before, during and after the operation. Recovery usually takes several days to weeks, depending on the severity of the bitch's illness.

An alternative treatment method is drug therapy, which can only be used in certain cases. This involves treating the bitch with hormones to stimulate uterine contractions and expel the pus. However, this can only work if the uterus is not yet too dilated and the cervix is still open. Drug therapy is less reliable and carries a higher risk of side effects and relapses. In addition, the bitch must be regularly monitored by the vet to assess the success of the therapy. If drug therapy does not work or complications occur, the bitch will still need surgery.

How can pyometra be prevented?

The only sure way to prevent pyometra is to castrate the bitch before the first or after the last heat. This stops the production of progesterone and the uterus is no longer prepared for pregnancy. Spaying also has many other benefits for the health and behavior of the bitch, such as

• a reduction in the risk of mammary cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer
• avoidance of unwanted puppies and troublesome males
• a reduction in aggression, dominance and marking behavior
• an improvement in quality of life and life expectancy

If you do not want to or cannot have your bitch spayed, you should have her checked regularly by the vet and look out for signs of pyometra. If you want to mate your bitch, you should only do so under expert supervision and only with healthy and vaccinated males.