Pyometra in dogs. Description, signs, treatment

A pyometra in dogs is a common disease. It is considered a serious reproductive disorder. It occurs only in bitches. It is characterized by an inflammatory process in the uterus with pus accumulation (if the neck channel is closed) and a parallel inflammation of the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus lining its cavity). In the absence of treatment (or in the case of tightening), it is possible to develop disorders that lead to infertility (or even death) of the animal.

Depending on the nature of inflammation and the state of the cervix, the pyometra in dogs is divided into an open (with the presence of purulent discharge) and closed (with accumulation of pus inside). Cases with an amount of pus in 5 liters were fixed. The disease is dangerous, often requires prompt resolution, as treatment with medicines is not always successful. Lack of care will lead to rupture of the uterus and secondary peritonitis. Then treatment of pyometers will be meaningless. The cause of death can be and septic lesions: liver abscess, purulent cholangitis, etc.

The causes of pyometra

Most veterinarians agree that inflammatory phenomena are caused by hormonal changes. Bacterial infection usually enters the open canal of the uterus during estrus. Although the inflammatory process with the accumulation of pus can begin and with its own normal bacterial flora of the vagina. Often, the pyometra in dogs appears against the background of cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium (yielding to the influence of progesterone, the glands located in the uterus increase and secrete a secret, and the accumulating fluid in turn provokes the formation of a cyst (or cysts)). Possible causes of the disease include hormonal contraception (tablets "against pregnancy" after the fact of mating and drugs that shift the timing of estrus).

Risk group

In a particular risk group, dogs:
- not giving birth;
- not sterilized;
- knitting uncontrollably;
- after estrus;
- with a constant "spoon" (false pregnancy).

Symptoms

Symptomatics are not always bright, and in the initial stages may be absent altogether. Symptoms appear as the uterus fills with pus. The dog becomes apathetic, less mobile, often loses its appetite. From the loops appear secretions (of various kinds: purulent-bloody, creamy, greenish). More clean dogs are often licked (an additional sign for inspection). Sometimes the discharge may have the character of a terminating estrus (too long estrus), the loop may still be swollen.

Closed form pyometra complicates the diagnosis. In this case, the dog gets to the veterinarian, when rescue is not always possible. The temperature at a pyometra is usually normal (it is increased only at the beginning of the disease). There may be increased thirst (kidney dysfunction affects), frequent urination, vomiting, diarrhea. It is possible to increase the abdomen (without mating) and a slight swelling (protrusion) between the loop and the anus.

Important: independent palpation of the abdomen is unacceptable - there is a risk of rupture of the uterus!

Diagnostics

The pyometra in dogs is diagnosed on the basis of studies of smears, blood, urine and according to clinical signs.

Pyometra in dogs - treatment

The main method is surgical ovariohysterectomy (sterilization).

In rare cases, piometers can be treated with medication, but even after recovery (and the risk of 1:10, that is, 10 suck bones, only one saved), recurrences or serious complications are frequent.