Protect ageing female dogs from 'pyometra'

As all non-breeding dogs should be desexed, this disease should no longer be the problem it was in the past, but at least three cases of pyometra have been presented to Crookwell Veterinary Hospital over the past six months.

Pyometra is the result of hormonal imbalance causing changes to the uterus lining. The secondary infection that follows is serious. Pyometra literally means ‘pus-filled uterus’.

Pyometra can be open or closed. When the cervix remains open, pus can escape from the uterus. This makes diagnosis easier as the discharge is obvious, and the dog is not as critically ill. When the cervix stays closed, the pus builds up in the uterus and can’t escape. Frequently, our vets remove a pus-filled uterus that weighs over a kilo (see images on crookwellvet.com.au under Animal Care/Dogs). The resultant severe infection causes bacterial endotoxins to enter the blood stream, affecting the function of all body organs.

The pet becomes extremely ill and diagnosis is based on clinical history of a non-desexed dog recently in season, blood counts, ultrasound, and symptoms that include fever, excessive drinking and urinating, abdominal enlargement, vomiting, depression and weakness.

Once diagnosed, the sick pet is stablised with intravenous fluids and antibiotics before surgery to remove the infected uterus. The ovaries are also removed as in routine desexing. Follow-up intensive care counteracts the effects of the severe infection and supports recovery.

Desexing female pets prevents pyometra. Even if a dog is middle-aged or older, please speak with us about desexing. It’s much, much safer to desex a middle-aged pet than to risk potentially fatal infections of the uterus.

Crookwell Veterinary Hospital has regular mobile clinics for small animals and livestock calls. 

Jennie Churchill is co-owner of Crookwell Veterinary Hospital.