Information about Pyometra
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE LIFE-THREATENING CONDITION
Pyometra is a very serious infection of the uterus. It is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Up to 1 in 4 dogs who are not spayed will develop pyometra in their lifetime. When an animal is not spayed, there is a high risk the uterus can become infected, filling it with pus. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure, toxaemia (pre-eclampsia), dehydration, and death. Pets over 5 years old are at the highest risk but can happen to animal of any age.
Early warning signs:
- Generally occurs about 4-8 weeks after a heat cycle
- Visible pus leaking from animal’s vagina is most common but the cervix could be closed which means there is no outlet for the infection to drain making it even more dangerous to the animal.
- Increased urination and thirst
- Distended abdomen
- Refusal to eat and/or vomiting
- Fever, lethargy, listless, depressed
Treatment is needed immediately. Emergency surgery removes the infected uterus and the animal receives antibiotic medication and intravenous fluids. The sooner the animal is treated, the better her chance of survival and recovery. Surgery for pyometra can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars at a regular vet clinic. Finding low-cost options is very difficult. Please spay your pet early! You very likely could be saving her life.
If your pet is experiencing a reproductive emergency (pyometra/uterine disease, dystocia/labor emergency, prolapsed uterus), please call your nearest emergency clinic or email us at petservices@pasadosafehaven.org with PYOMETRA in the subject line. In the email, please include the following information so we can expedite helping your pet: 1) Is your pet a dog or a cat? 2) Has your pet been diagnosed by a veterinarian? If so, send us any medical records you received. 3) What county are you in and are you willing to travel for the soonest appointment? 4) What is the approximate weight of your pet? 5) What is your phone number?
Low-Cost Clinics for Pyometra Surgery
- Seattle Animal Shelter: spayneuterclinic@seattle.gov
- Seattle Humane: vets@seattlehumane.org
- Mason County Humane Society: clinic@hsmcwa.org
- Feral Cat S/N Project (Lynnwood): questions@feralcatproject.org
- Feral Cat S/N Project (Renton): rentonadmin@feralcatproject.org
To learn more about pyometra, check out these websites: