Pyometra in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & How to Prevent

Pyometra is a severe and potentially fatal uterine infection in unspayed female dogs, particularly common after a heat cycle. This condition causes the uterus to fill with pus, leading to serious health risks if untreated. Recognising the early signs such as behavioural changes, lethargy, increased thirst, frequent urination, and appetite loss is essential to seek veterinary care promptly. As the infection worsens, abdominal swelling or discharge from the vulva may occur. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial to prevent a worsening prognosis, including kidney failure or uterine rupture.

Causes and Types of Pyometra in Dogs

Pyometra develops when bacteria, often Escherichia coli, enter the uterus during or after the female dog’s heat cycle or pregnancy, facilitated by hormonal changes like increased progesterone that thicken the uterine lining. This environment can become a breeding ground for infection. Risk factors include being unspayed, middle-aged to older age, or use of hormonal treatments like heat suppression injections. Spayed dogs are generally not at risk, although stump pyometra can occur if uterine tissue remnants remain post-surgery.

• Closed Pyometra: The cervix remains closed, trapping pus inside the uterus without discharge. This form is especially dangerous because symptoms can be less obvious, and the uterus can rupture internally, causing life-threatening complications. About one-third of cases fall into this category.
• Open Pyometra: The cervix is open, allowing uterine discharge to exit. Owners may mistake this discharge for a continuation of the heat cycle, delaying treatment. Despite the cervix being open, damage to organs like the kidneys requires urgent veterinary intervention.
• Stump Pyometra: Occurs in spayed dogs owing to infected uterine tissue remnants. Symptoms resemble those of typical pyometra, and veterinary consultation is necessary if signs appear.

Pyometra can impair kidney function, causing excessive thirst and leading to dehydration and renal failure. Awareness of these associated health concerns assists in understanding your dog's condition and the need for early veterinary advice.

Treatment Options for Pyometra

The primary treatment for pyometra is emergency surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy). This surgery is more complex than routine spaying, especially if the infection is advanced. Early diagnosis is crucial, with vets using physical examination, ultrasound, X-rays, and blood tests to confirm infection and determine whether the cervix is open or closed.

In some cases caught early, antibiotic therapy may be attempted, but it is generally an adjunct rather than a substitute for surgery, particularly in closed pyometra. Surgery performed promptly improves survival chances, but severe infection may still cause irreversible organ damage. Owners should be prepared for higher costs with emergency treatment compared to routine procedures. Factors influencing treatment prices include:

• Diagnostic testing (ultrasound, X-ray, blood work)
• Medications and anaesthesia
• Weight of the dog (affecting anaesthesia and medication doses)
• Hospitalisation and supportive care
• Surgical materials and follow-up treatments

For owners with pet insurance, reviewing policy coverage is important to confirm pyometra-related treatments are included, especially for emergency care.

Preventing Pyometra: Responsible Choices

Prevention is straightforward and highly effective. Spaying your dog before her first heat offers the best protection against pyometra and other reproductive diseases. Early spaying also generally leads to easier recoveries. For breeders or owners of unspayed dogs, closely monitoring heat cycles and recognising symptoms early is critical.

Responsible pet ownership includes understanding the health benefits of spaying and consulting a reputable breeder when acquiring a new dog. This ensures you receive guidance tailored to your dog’s breed and health needs.