PYOMETRA

FACTS

• Only in females
• Infects the ovaries and Fallopian tubes
• Also known as an infection in the uterus

HOW TO PREVENT THIS?

• Have them spayed!
• It helps with their long term health
• Prevents Pyometra

WHEN DOES PYOMETRA OCCUR?

• Can occur in young to middle-aged dogs
• Most common in older dogs.

HOW ARE THEY DIAGNOSED?

• Early illness only a slight amount of vaginal discharge will appear
• Mostly found later on in the illness when it is much worse, though

SYMPTOMS

• Drinking an increased amount of water
• Not spayed.
• Looks like abdomen has been enlarged.

Ovaries and Fallopian tubes of a female with Pyometra

X-Ray

Abdomen of a dog infested with Pyometra

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

• "Pyometra is often the result of hormonal changes in the reproductive tract. Following oestrus ("heat") in the dog, progesterone levels remain elevated for eight to ten weeks and thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur for several oestrus cycles, the lining continues to increase in thickness until cysts form within it. The thickened, cystic lining secretes fluids that create an ideal environment in which bacteria can grow. Additionally, high progesterone levels inhibit the ability of the muscles in the wall of the uterus to contract" ("Pyometra In Dogs").

TREATMENT

• Emergency surgery
• Spaying the animal
• Taking out the enlarged ovaries and Fallopian tubes. Also the uterus.

WORKS CITED

• Google (pictures)
• http://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/pyometra-in-dogs