Canine Pyometra Signs, Treatments
Canine Pyometra is a serious infection of the uterus.
This infection can cause the death of the dog. The incidence of this infection in unspayed animals is quite high.
This infection occurs when a dog's immune system is low and the animal is in heat. The E.
coli bacteria cause canine pyometra infection and the incidence is higher among middle aged and older dogs. This infection is also associated with complicated pregnancies, spontaneous abortions and still born puppies.
Causes of Dog Pyometra:
Though there are many bacteria that may cause this infection, one of the main causes of this infection are the E coli bacteria. This infection is caused during an animal's heat cycle. During the cycle, the cervix relaxes and opens up a little, allowing bacteria to enter.
However, as the animal's heat cycle finishes up, the cervix closes up once again and the bacteria remains trapped.
In pyometra, female dogs suffer from cysts inside the uterine lining. These cysts are filled with a liquid and this liquid slowly drains into the body of the animal. This fluid causes a thickening of the walls of the uterus and the organs starts to enlarge. The uterus contains two hornlike structures, usually small pencil shaped pouches, which in the affected animals increase 10-15 times in size. The sacs continue to brim over with the liquids and the liquids often spill out.
Symptoms of Canine Pyometra:
Dogs suffering from pyometra may have a foul smelling discharge coming out of their cervix. The cervix may be dilated or closed shut. The foul smelling discharge occurs in an open cervix. In a closed cervix, the discharge remains in the body and the uterus keeps enlarging, making the dog extremely sick.
- Smelly discharge from the dog's vagina
- Enlargement of the posterior abdomen of the affected dog
- Occasional spurts of pus from the cervix.
- Disinterest in eating and lethargy
- Frequent dog vomiting
- Excessive drinking of water and excessive urinating
Treatment of Pyometra in Dogs:
The affected dog should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination of the dog and then maybe ask for an x-ray to ascertain the exact causes for the symptoms. The vet may also ask for blood tests to check for the presence of the bacteria that cause pyometra. After careful examination, if your pet is diagnosed with pyometra, the only treatment that can be done is a surgery to remove the uterus.