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Pyometra in Dogs : Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Pyometra in dogs usually appears in females older than 5 years. Although it may appear after the first heat. It develops in the metaphase. That is the weeks following heat when the concentration of progesterone is higher.

Pyometra in dogs is a disease that affects females that have reached sexual maturity. It is a uterine infection that must be treated as soon as possible. As it can lead to septicemia, peritonitis and renal failure.

Pyometra in dogs
Pyometra: What is it and Why Does it Happen?

So in this article, we provided the complete details about Pyometra in dogs along with the symptoms, causes, and treatment. Continue reading the article to know more.

Causes of Canine Pyometra in Dogs

The causes of canine pyometra are related to the hormonal cycle. After estrus, progesterone concentrations increase and this decreases uterine contractions and promotes certain changes in the endometrium. This, in turn, favors bacterial growth. The appearance of nodules also increases the severity of the process.

The pyometra in bitch can be developed in two ways:

Open pyometra:

The cervix remains open, so the uterine secretions can drain. Open pyometra is the most benign and accounts for approximately 85% of cases.

Closed pyometra:

The cervix is ​​obstructed due to the appearance of nodules in the endometrium. So secretions cannot drain and accumulate, leading to inflammation of the uterus. It is an acute situation that rapidly evolves into a state of gravity.

Symptoms of pyometra in the bitch

The canine patient will present bloody or purulent vaginal secretions in 85% of cases coinciding with the period from the second to the eighth week after estrus. In this case, when the cervix remains open, we speak of open pyometra. But it can also be a closed pyometra and there is no vaginal discharge, in which case the prognosis is more serious.

The symptoms of canine pyometra include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, polyuria, and polydipsia. Rarely it can also lead to diarrhea and abdominal enlargement. In very advanced cases or that have not received the correct veterinary treatment. It can produce septicemia, toxemia, peritonitis and renal failure.

Diagnosis of Pyometra Dogs

The diagnosis of the pyometra will be made by anamnesis and physical examination and will be confirmed by ultrasound. If this test is inconclusive or the presence of tumor masses in the uterus is suspected, which can mimic the symptoms of pyometra, an analytical and cytology can help to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

Symptoms Of Pyometra In The Bitch

The analytical result of pyometra will show signs of infection and high neutrophil concentration will be observed in vaginal cytology.

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Treatment in Canine Pyometra

The treatment of choice in canine pyometra is surgery. However, two different approaches can be tried depending on the state of evolution of the disease and how conservative you want to be.

  • Ovariohysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries is the safest therapeutic solution and the treatment of choice in most cases. The administration of a support therapy should also be assessed, depending on the animal’s condition: fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy, analgesics.

Treatment In Canine Pyometra

  • Medical treatment, which includes the end of the uterus, installation of transcervical drainage, antibiotic therapy and administration of prostaglandins to increase uterine contractility. This treatment can be done in mild cases when you want to preserve the fertility of the animal. Although it must be taken into account that it can not be guaranteed that the gestating capacity is maintained. This therapeutic option should only be administered in open pyometra and after a careful evaluation of the canine patient, never when the animal presents toxemia.

In the postoperative period, the signs of infection should be controlled. Since an advanced pyometra can lead to peritonitis.

How Long Can a Dog Live with Pyometra

The dog may not live more than 24 to 48 hour in case of emergency if not treated. Treatment is necessary and must be needed.

The Best Prevention is Sterilization

Pyometra appears more frequently in bitches when they are older than 5 years and also when they have received hormone therapy with estrogen or progestogens. However, all sexually mature bitches are susceptible to developing pyometra. Therefore, the best prevention is early sterilization.

Conclusion

Hence, we have provided the full details on Pyometra in dogs. Along with the Symptoms, causes, and treatment to cure it. We hope you like the article and it helped you learn some things about this disease. Support us by sharing the article with friends and families. Feel free to ask your questions in the comment box below. Stay tuned to Dogsfud for more informative dog articles.

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