The Danger of Pyometra in your Female Dog

Pyometra in dogs can be a serious, even life-threatening condition. Depending on the severity of the infection, your female dog may look absolutely healthy, may be slightly off, or may be desperately ill from absorbing bacterial toxins into the bloodstream.

How Do I Know if My Dog Has Pyometra?

You will know that your dog has pyometra if she has an abnormal heat cycle (she’s bleeding today, and then not bleeding tomorrow then bleeding again the next weeks). The pyometra symptoms in dogs will depend greatly on whether the cervix is open or not. If the cervix is open, pus will drain out of your female’s vagina.

If the cervix is closed, the pus will not be able to drain and is collected in the uterus, causing the abdomen to bloat.

When pus is draining out, it can be really messy and end up on your floor, rugs and furniture causing stains. Consider using dog diapers for your furry friend. Pro Tip: Look for diapers that have no "crinkly" or uncomfortable texture that causes many dogs to dislike. Pet Parents® Dog Diapers prevent accidents and are perfect in prevent leaks and messes, especially for a dog who is experiencing the side effects of pyometra.

Other pyometra symptoms ins dogs, according to Blue Cross, includes your furbaby losing their appetite, feeling very thirsty, and becoming lethargic. As pyometra worsens, your dog may become very weak that they are unable to move.

However, all these signs may lead to other illnesses. The best way to confirm if this is actually pyometra in dogs is to visit your vet as soon as possible—acting fast might just save your furbaby’s life!

Pyometra or Pregnancy?

Pyometra will result in a pus draining from your dog and they may act different as they might with pregnancy. However, it is unlikely a dog with pyometra will become pregnant. If you are having trouble determining if your dog might have a pyometra or be pregnant, take her to the vet as soon as possible as she will need examined in either case.

How Can Pyometra in Dogs be Treated?

Your vet is necessary for determining how to cure pyometra in dogs. Treatment options vary depending on your vet and on how severe the pyometra is. But most will advise surgical removal of the infected uterus when it's safe to do so. Your vet may advise that, as many dogs with severe pyometra show signs of being in toxic or even in shock. They may benefit from intravenous fluids, antibiotics and pain relief first to best prepare for the surgery.

Dogs who undergo pyometra surgery will generally feel much better afterward. There are also non-surgical treatments reserved for dogs with open pyometra. However, according to MSPCSA, the rate of having another pyometra is quite high (potentially greater than 75%), so the decision to pursue medical therapy must be arrived at very carefully.

What if I Decide Not to Treat My Dog?

Pyometra in dogs won’t heal alone. If pus is coming out of your dog, it will eventually stop but then will reoccur in the following weeks or months ahead. The toxic effects from the bacteria will spread throughout different organs and will be dangerous for your dog - that’s why immediate treatment is really needed.

Can My Dog Still Get Pregnant with Pyometra?

The chances of your dog getting pregnant while having pyometra is very low. Pyometra in pregnant dogs is dangerous. If she does get pregnant, it is possible for the uterus to rupture, spilling the infection into the abdominal cavity. This can also be fatal.

Management and Prevention

Management after pyometra surgery includes making sure your furbaby recovers well. Provide her with Pet Parents® Multivitamin SoftSupps® to help boost their daily health support for a faster recovery. Provide them also with a comfy place to rest while they recover. Pawtect® Blankets are waterproof so they are a great option for them to snuggle and for them to feel safe and comfortable without worrying about damage to beds or furniture. and with Pet Parents® Dog Diapers for post-surgery care.

Pyometra in dogs can be a very serious concern. Pyometra in pregnant dogs can even be life threatening, so it is important to know the signs and how to treat pyometra.