Mild Symptoms Were Life-Threatening!

Missy is an 8 year old intact female mixed breed dog that presented to the emergency department with a 2 day history of anorexia, vomiting and lethargy. She had previously been healthy and was up to date on vaccines.

On physical examination she was found to be dehydrated, was running a fever of 105 F (normal for dogs is 99.5 - 102.5 F) and had a painful belly. X-rays of her belly were taken and showed a fluid filled uterus. Bloodwork was done and showed evidence of an active infection. Based on the diagnostic tests and history we were primarily concerned that Missy had a pyometra. A pyometra is a term for an infected uterus.

She was started on IV fluids and antibiotics and prepared for surgery. She was taken to surgery later that afternoon and a pyometra was confirmed. Her uterus and ovaries were surgically removed. We cultured the uterine contents, flushed her abdomen with sterile saline and closed the incision. She was recovered and moved into the intensive care unit (ICU).

She remained in the ICU for three more days on fluids, antibiotics and pain medication. She slowly improved day by day and began eating on her own on day three. She was sent home on oral antibiotics and made a complete recovery.

Pyometra is a life-threatening infection of the uterus that is most common in dogs over 6 years of age. This disease begins with cystic endometrial hyperplasia, a condition where the inner layers of the uterus become thickened and fluid filled. This tissue is an ideal area for bacterial infection. Bacteria gain access to the uterus through an open cervix during the time of estrus and leads to a full blown uterine infection.

Most pyometras are seen one to two months after a heat cycle. Dogs with this condition usually present with depression, anorexia, drinking and urinating excessively. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur and the temperature can be normal, low or high. X-rays of the abdomen can confirm an enlarged uterus.

The treatment of choice is ovario-hysterectomy (spay) and treatment with antibiotics. Many dogs with pyometra are shocky and it is important to treat the shock before taking them to surgery.

The prognosis is good to excellent depending on how sick they are when they go to surgery. This condition is completely preventable by having your dog spayed. Pyometra is one of many reasons we highly recommend spaying female dogs that are not intended for breeding purposes.