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‘Spay Safe’


Pyometra (‘pus in the womb’) is a potentially life- threatening infection of the womb that can occur in dogs and less commonly cats. It is most frequently seen in middle-to-old aged females but may occur at any age from puberty onwards and usually presents during the fi rst few weeks to months following a season.


What causes a pyometra?


A combination of underlying factors may lead to a pyometra developing - such as hormonal imbalances, infection tracking up the vulva from the outside or spreading from elsewhere in the body.


What are the signs to look for?


The signs vary depending on how long the infection has been present for and whether the pus is able to drain out from the womb (‘open’) or retained within the body (‘closed’). Usually dogs with the latter tend to present with more severe symptoms.


• •


• • • • •


green/brown/blood-tinged thick discharge seeping from the bitch’s vulva (‘open’ only) quieter than normal/depressed/lethargy off her food


drinking more than normal


licking her private parts frequently vomiting


swollen & uncomfortable abdomen How is pyometra diagnosed?


It can sometimes be diagnosed from history and clinical exam alone but most cases require bloods and an ultrasound scan/radiograph of the womb.


How can Pyometra be treated?


The only way to successfully cure a pyometra is to surgically remove the infected womb as soon as it


www.struthers-scott.co.uk | e: info@struthers-scott.co.uk Struthers & Scott Veterinary Practice, Unit 2, Innes Park, Station Wynd, Doune, FK16 6EH | 01786 841 304


34 To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. fi ona@thewireweb.co.uk


is safe to do so. Some animals may not be stable enough for surgery immediately often requiring fl uid therapy, antibiotics and pain-relief prior to their operation.


A spay (removal of the womb and both ovaries) is the surgery carried out, however, compared to a normal routine spay, a pyometra spay carries a higher surgical risk (infected tissues are more fragile and may break down easier) and incur increased costs (as they often present as an emergency with further work-up and hospitalisation required). Antibiotics and injections to expel the pus can sometimes be used to treat less severe pyometra cases but they are not always successful and tend to reoccur post-treatment.


How can Pyometra be prevented?


The best way to prevent this condition in your animal is to have them neutered (spayed). If however you are planning to breed from a bitch then spaying her after she has fi nished breeding is strongly advised.


If you are at all worried and would like some advice about this or anything to do with your pet,


don’t hesitate to contact us on 01786 841 304


Kindly provided by Gill, Veterinary Surgeon @ Struthers & Scott.


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