Is pyometra life threatening?
In its simplest terms, pyometra is an infection in the uterus. Pyometra is considered a serious and life threatening condition that must be treated quickly and aggressively. “Pyometra is a secondary infection that occurs because of hormonal changes in the female’s reproductive tract.”
What causes dog pyometra?
Pyometra is caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly E. coli, and often occurs a few weeks after a female has finished a season. This is because being in season causes the animal’s body to go through hormonal changes which make the chance of infection much more likely.
Can a dog survive pyometra?
A pyometra is an emergency and your dog has the best chance of survival if they receive prompt treatment. You know your dog best, if you are concerned it’s always best to contact your vet.
What is the survival rate of pyometra in dogs?
Pyometra Survival Rate Unfortunately, pyometra is a very common and delicate condition and despite modern treatment options, the mortality rate due to pyometra is about 4%. Without treatment the infection is lethal in all cases.
What does it mean when a dog has pyometra?
What is canine pyometra? Canine pyometra is a common and life-threatening condition which affects un-neutered female dogs. Some studies show that 1 in 4 un-neutered bitches will get the condition before they get to the age of 10*. The word pyometra means a uterus full of pus, which accurately describes the condition, however.
Are there any non surgical options for pyometra?
Rarely, non-surgical options will be discussed as management of pyometra. This option is reserved for dogs with open pyometra (the dogs in which the pus is leaking out) who have a very high breeding value.
What happens to your uterus when you have pyometra?
As these changes occur year after year, the uterus can be permanently changed – it becomes thicker and engorged with excess tissue. These changes make the uterus especially prone to developing infection and quite poor at fighting off infection if it does occur.
What’s the difference between closed and open pyometra?
Vets will sometimes classify pyometra into 2 types; an open form, where pus discharges from the uterus into the vagina, and a closed form, where there is no discharge and causes the uterus to get larger and larger as more pus accumulates.
What does pyometra mean in a female dog?
W hat dog pyometra is, it’s a bacterial infection that results in an abscessed, pus-filled uterus that occurs in female dogs that have not been spayed. Pyometra in dogs comes on quickly and escalates rapidly.
Is it important to know the symptoms of pyometra?
Pyometra is a serious infection that occurs in the uterus. It can be a very serious condition and therefore it is important that you know all of the symptoms of the infection. This will allow you to quickly recognize the problem and seek treatment without delay.
Rarely, non-surgical options will be discussed as management of pyometra. This option is reserved for dogs with open pyometra (the dogs in which the pus is leaking out) who have a very high breeding value.
Why does pyometra occur in the uterus?
The uterus lining can then form pockets where bacteria may develop and lead to pyometra. The bacterial infection is typically caused by E. coli that moves from the vagina through the cervix during estrus.