Pyometra is a deadly infection that affects unspayed female dogs and cats. This happens when the uterus gets infected and fills up with pus. Pyometra often comes as a result of the hormonal shifts present during the dog or cat's heat cycle.
The disease is more common in middle-aged to older female dogs and cats. However, it can occur in younger animals as well, especially those that have gone through multiple heat cycles without mating.
What Are the Types of Pyometra?
The condition is often categorized into two types: open and closed pyometra. Either type is considered a medical emergency that requires urgent veterinary care.
Open Pyometra
In this form, the cervix remains open, allowing pus and other discharge to exit the body through the vaginal canal. This can make the condition easier to detect, as owners may notice foul-smelling discharge, often accompanied by lethargy and a loss of appetite.
Open pyometra is generally less immediately life-threatening because the infection can drain, reducing the risk of uterine rupture.
Closed Pyometra
In closed pyometra, the cervix is sealed, trapping pus and infection inside the uterus. This form is more dangerous because the infection cannot easily escape, leading to rapid toxin buildup in the bloodstream.
Here, the swollen uterus can also rupture. This can result in internal bleeding and widespread infection, which are life-threatening emergencies. Closed pyometra is often harder to diagnose early because there is no visible discharge, and symptoms may appear more suddenly.
How Does Pyometra Develop?
Pyometra usually develops after a heat cycle when the hormone progesterone increases to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. Here, the cervix will be opened up, allowing bacteria to sneak in.
Next, the cervix will close. During this time, the uterine lining thickens and produces secretions, while the immune system becomes suppressed. If there is no pregnancy, the secretions present within the uterus may serve as an ideal space for bacteria to grow.
The infection itself causes the uterus to fill with pus, causing swelling and pain. If the cervix is open, then the pus may drain out. If it’s closed, then it stays trapped.
The most common bacteria involved in pyometra are Escherichia coli. Other notable species can come from Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas.
What Are the Risk Factors for Pyometra?
While infection is the main cause, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of this disease. Here are the common risk factors for pyometra:
Age and Reproductive History
The risk of pyometra increases with age. The most commonly affected dogs and cats are those who are middle-aged. Additionally, pets that have undergone multiple heat cycles without mating are also more susceptible.
Each heat cycle exposes the uterus to hormonal changes that can lead to the thickening of the uterine lining. If they are unspayed, they are susceptible to bacterial growth within the uterus.
Breed Predisposition
Some breeds are genetically predisposed to developing pyometra. These are dogs such as:
Rottweilers
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
For cats, these are breeds like:
Hormonal Treatments
Treatments that are used to suppress heat cycles and prevent pregnancy are called hormonal treatments. These treatments can increase the chances of pyometra. This is due to the synthetic progesterone or estrogen in these drugs, which can cause hormonal imbalances.
With an imbalance of hormones, the uterus will be exposed to these hormones for an extended period. This results in the dog and cat’s immune system weakening, making them vulnerable to bacterial infection.
Weakened Immune System
Dogs and cats with compromised immune systems are also at risk of pyometra. When their immune response gets weaker, the body will have a harder time fighting off infections. This makes it easier for bacteria to come in and grow.
What Are the Signs of Pyometra in Cats and Dogs?
The signs and symptoms of pyometra can differ based on whether the type is open or closed. However, there are general signs that can be indicators of the disease. Here are the symptoms of pyometra you should take note of:
General Symptoms
Increased Thirst and Urination. Toxins released by the bacteria can affect the kidneys, causing the dog and cat to drink more water than usual. As a result, they’ll also urinate more frequently.
Lethargy and Weakness. Both dogs and cats can feel weak and tired when affected by pyometra. They might not want to play and would rather sleep more often.
Loss of Appetite. Pets may also lose interest in food and will eat far less than normal. This can quickly result in weight loss and further weakness down the road.
Digestive Upset. Pyometra can sometimes cause vomiting because of the spread of bacterial toxins across the bloodstream. Affected pets may experience stomach upset.
Abdominal Swelling. As the pus fills the uterus, the dog’s or cat’s abdomen may look swollen. They might flinch or cry due to the pain when their belly is handled.
Symptoms of Open Pyometra
When the cervix is open, one of the most obvious signs of pyometra is a foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Pus-like discharge may be seen coming out from the vulva. This can often be mixed with blood and have a bad odor.
The discharge’s color can vary from yellow, brown, cream, green, or bloody. You might notice staining on bedding, pillows, and blankets.
Dogs and cats with open pyometra also tend to lick their genital areas to clean the discharge. When you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend bringing your pet in right away for treatment.
Symptoms of Closed Pyometra
Closed pyometra is a much more difficult case to deal with because the cervix remains shut. This prevents any discharge from escaping. Pets with this form also tend to be more at risk because the toxins and infections are trapped within the uterus.
You may notice your pet’s abdomen becoming distended as the uterus fills with pus. Pets may show severe lethargy, have difficulty standing or walking, and, in some cases, collapse due to septic shock.
How Do Vets Diagnose Pyometra in Cats and Dogs?
Diagnosing pyometra will take a series of steps and tests. Our vets will need to start with a physical exam, then move on to the specialized tests based on our observations.
Veterinary Examination
We'll start by reviewing your pet's medical history and symptoms. Your observations at home will be very useful for the process.
Laboratory Tests
Blood tests can check for generalized infection and assess your pet’s overall health. The main factors we’ll take note of are the increased count of white blood cells and globulins. These tests can also detect kidney issues, which are common for pets with pyometra.
We can also do a vaginal cytology to determine the number of pus cells and the presence of bacteria. If these values are high, pyometra is highly likely.
Imaging Techniques
We can also utilize diagnostic imaging tools to get a deeper look at the issue. An ultrasound enables us to see the uterus in more detail and check for the presence of fluid. These can help confirm the condition.
In cases of closed pyometra, an ultrasound is also very useful because the symptoms aren’t that obvious. X-rays can be used, although they are less sensitive for detecting fluid buildup compared to an ultrasound.
How Is Pyometra Treated in Dogs and Cats?
The main options will be surgery and medications coupled with supportive care.
Ovariohysterectomy
Surgery is the definitive treatment and is highly recommended for most cases.
We'll do an ovariohysterectomy, also known as spaying. Dog spaying and cat spaying are similar procedures, with only slight differences due to the different anatomies.
Essentially, the goal is the same. Surgery will be done to remove the uterus and ovaries. By doing so, we can eliminate the area of the pyometra disease and prevent recurrence.
During the surgery, our veterinary surgeons will carefully remove the uterus to prevent rupture and the spread of infection. For closed pyometra, where the risk of uterine rupture is higher, the surgery must be performed with extra caution.
General anesthesia will be used to keep your dog or cat comfortable. Post-operative care will be needed to manage pain, recover strength, and promote recovery. Most pets recover within a few weeks.
Medical Management
For the medical method, antibiotics will be used to combat the bacterial infection. But first, prostaglandin hormones will be used to open up the cervix, helping remove pus and bacteria.
While this can temporarily resolve the infection, it does not prevent recurrence because the uterus can still become infected.
Pets treated medically will need regular monitoring and checkups with our vets. This is to ensure the continued recovery and efficiency of the medicines.
Supportive Care
Throughout the whole treatment process, supportive care treatments will be given. This may include IV fluids to combat dehydration, medications to reduce pain and swelling, and nutritional support you can bring at home.
The Role of Spaying and Neutering Against Pyometra
Spaying your cat and dog is the most effective way to prevent pyometra. When we remove your pet's ovaries and uterus, the area of the potential infection will be removed as well. This essentially turns the chances of pyometra to zero.
The procedure can be performed as early as six months of age, although the timing may vary based on breed and individual health considerations. So, if you think you’d be okay with removing your dog or cat’s ability to reproduce, consider spaying.
This procedure can protect them from a lot more than pyometra and can improve their overall well-being.
“Quick vet care always gives our pets a fighting chance.”
- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius
Final Thoughts
Pyometra is a condition that affects unspayed female dogs and cats. The combination of a bacterial infection and hormonal imbalance makes it difficult to deal with. To help protect your pets, consider spaying them, as it provides long-term benefits and protection.
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