HEALTH
5 min
Canine Pyometra: Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, and more
Pyometra is a reproductive disease that affects up to 28% of female dogs in India. Dr. Rohit J explains its signs, treatment, and how pet parents can help prevent it.
Table of contents
Canine pyometra is a serious & often life-threatening infection of the uterus in unspayed, female dogs. It usually occurs after a heat cycle and is caused by hormonal changes that make the uterus more vulnerable to bacterial infections, mainly E. coli (1,2). Without quick treatment, canine pyometra can lead to severe illness, organ failure, and even death. Thankfully, most dogs can recover well with early diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study conducted in India found a 28%-point prevalence of canine pyometra in Indian dogs. Among the affected breeds, Labradors had the highest incidence at 28.89%, followed by Spitz (22.22%), non-descript breeds (20.00%), and German Shepherds (8.89%).
A recent study conducted in India found a 28%-point prevalence of canine pyometra in Indian dogs. Among the affected breeds, Labradors had the highest incidence at 28.89%, followed by Spitz (22.22%), non-descript breeds (20.00%), and German Shepherds (8.89%).
What Are the Two Types of Pyometra? And What are the Early Signs?
There are two types of pyometra presented in dogs. The first signs of pyometra in dogs are presented based on which type of pyometra they are suffering from:
Open Pyometra
In open pyometra, the cervix (the opening of the uterus) is open, allowing pus or infected fluid to drain out. Here are some signs of pyometra in dogs:
Closed Pyometra
In closed pyometra, the cervix is closed, trapping all the infection and pus inside the uterus. This can cause the uterus to swell dangerously and can lead to rupture. This type will present the following signs of pyometra in dogs:
In open pyometra, the cervix (the opening of the uterus) is open, allowing pus or infected fluid to drain out. Here are some signs of pyometra in dogs:
- Discharge from the vulva (pus or blood)
- Drinking and urinating more than normal
- Tiredness or low energy
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
Closed Pyometra
In closed pyometra, the cervix is closed, trapping all the infection and pus inside the uterus. This can cause the uterus to swell dangerously and can lead to rupture. This type will present the following signs of pyometra in dogs:
- Swollen, painful abdomen
- Extreme tiredness or collapse
- High fever
- Vomiting
- Severe dehydration
Image credits: mcqueenanimalhospital
Pyometra in Dogs: Diagnosis
To diagnose canine pyometra, veterinarians use a combination of tests, including:
- Physical examination: Checking for abdominal pain, fever, discharge, dehydration, or signs of sepsis.
- Ultrasound imaging: Used to visualise an enlarged, thickened and fluid-filled uterus.
- Blood tests: Help assess the infection levels, dehydration, anaemia, and organ function (especially kidneys and liver). A blood test is always recommended before a pyometra surgery to assess anaesthetic risk and guide treatment safely.
Pyometra In Dogs: Treatment
The treatment options for pyometra will depend on the type of pyometra your dog has been diagnosed with.
For Cases of Open Pyometra
If the cervix is open and the dog is stable, there are two main options:
1. Surgery (Spaying)
Hormone-blocking drugs and medications that encourage the uterus to contract and expel the infection.
Antibiotics are used alongside to fight the infection.
Even in cases with Open Pyometra, surgery is often recommended to avoid complications and future risk.
For Cases of Closed Pyometra
For closed pyometra, emergency surgery is almost always necessary.
1. Emergency surgery (Spaying)
In rare cases, where surgery is not possible due to severe health issues (for example, heart problems or extreme old age), medical treatment with hormone-blocking drugs and uterine contractants might be attempted. However, the risk of failure and serious complications is very high.
If the cervix is open and the dog is stable, there are two main options:
1. Surgery (Spaying)
- Safest and most reliable treatment. The uterus and ovaries are removed.
- Supportive care such as intravenous fluids, antibiotics, antiemetics, and pain relief is given before, during, and after surgery.
Hormone-blocking drugs and medications that encourage the uterus to contract and expel the infection.
Antibiotics are used alongside to fight the infection.
Even in cases with Open Pyometra, surgery is often recommended to avoid complications and future risk.
For Cases of Closed Pyometra
For closed pyometra, emergency surgery is almost always necessary.
1. Emergency surgery (Spaying)
- Immediate removal of the uterus and ovaries is critical. Surgery is life-saving and the safest option.
- Dogs usually need stabilisation first with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, antiemetics, and sometimes medications to support blood pressure.
In rare cases, where surgery is not possible due to severe health issues (for example, heart problems or extreme old age), medical treatment with hormone-blocking drugs and uterine contractants might be attempted. However, the risk of failure and serious complications is very high.
Are There Any Surgical Risks? Does Spaying Prevent Pyometra?
Older dogs, especially those over 7 or 8 years of age, face higher surgical risks during emergency procedures, including the pyometra surgery. As they age, the chances of anaesthesia-related complications, slower recovery periods, and poor healing increase significantly.
In our earlier article on dog neutering and spaying, we discussed how delaying early spaying allows for healthy growth and development. At the same time, it is important to balance these benefits with the increased risks of waiting too long, as well.
Neutering at the right age is strongly recommended to avoid the risks of pyometra in female dogs. The usual recommended age for spaying is when your dog has physically matured (around 1.5 to 2 years for many breeds) and before they reach an age where surgical risks arise. Neutering at an appropriate age offers the best of both worlds:
In our earlier article on dog neutering and spaying, we discussed how delaying early spaying allows for healthy growth and development. At the same time, it is important to balance these benefits with the increased risks of waiting too long, as well.
Neutering at the right age is strongly recommended to avoid the risks of pyometra in female dogs. The usual recommended age for spaying is when your dog has physically matured (around 1.5 to 2 years for many breeds) and before they reach an age where surgical risks arise. Neutering at an appropriate age offers the best of both worlds:
- Supports natural growth and development
- Minimises the risks of pyometra and other hormone-related diseases for the rest of their life
- Reduces the chances of mammary tumours
- Decreases the chances of complicated, emergency surgeries later in life.
Final Thoughts
Pyometra in dogs is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt veterinary care. Surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries is the gold standard, while supportive care with fluids, antibiotics, and pain relief helps in recovery. Timely neutering reduces the risk of pyometra, so consult your vet for the best plan for your dog. Early intervention is crucial.
FAQs
Q: Is pyometra a UTI?
A: No, pyometra is not the same as a urinary tract infection in dogs. Pyometra is a serious uterine infection, while a UTI affects the urinary bladder or urethra. Since the reproductive and urinary tracts are located close together, both conditions can cause similar symptoms like frequent urination. This overlap makes proper diagnosis crucial. In some cases, pyometra can even lead to a UTI due to the spread of infection.
Q: What is the difference between pyometra and metritis?
A: Pyometra is a serious uterine infection with pus accumulation that usually occurs after a heat cycle. Metritis, on the other hand, is an acute uterine inflammation that typically happens shortly after giving birth or abortion, often due to retained placenta or foetuses.
Q: What is the difference between pyometra and hydrometra?
A: Pyometra is an infectious condition where the uterus fills with pus and causes systemic illness, while hydrometra is a non-infectious buildup of watery fluid in the uterus, usually without signs of general illness.
Q: What is the difference between pyometra and metritis?
A: Pyometra is a serious uterine infection with pus accumulation that usually occurs after a heat cycle. Metritis, on the other hand, is an acute uterine inflammation that typically happens shortly after giving birth or abortion, often due to retained placenta or foetuses.
Q: What is the difference between pyometra and hydrometra?
A: Pyometra is an infectious condition where the uterus fills with pus and causes systemic illness, while hydrometra is a non-infectious buildup of watery fluid in the uterus, usually without signs of general illness.
References
- Jitpean, S., Ström Holst, B., Emanuelson, U., Hagman, R., Höglund, O. V., Pettersson, A., & Egenvall, A. (2012). Breed variations in the incidence of pyometra and mammary tumours in Swedish dogs. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 47(S6), 347–350. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01930.x
- Hagman, R. (2017). Canine pyometra—What is new? Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 52(S2), 288–292. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13092
- Singh, L. K., Patra, M. K., Mishra, G. K., Saxena, A. C., De, U. K., Singh, S. K., Kumar, H., & Narayanan, K. (2020). Prospects of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of pyometra in canine. Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction, 9(4), 166–173. https://doi.org/10.4103/2305-0500.288584
Keywords:
pyometra in dogs ,
types of pyometra,
pyometra in dogs diagnosis,
pyometra in dogs treatment,
signs of pyometra in dogs
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