Why It Is Important To Treat Pyometra In Dogs On Time? – Know The Reasons

Many have a common notion; instead, I would call it a myth that a female dog needs to have puppies for her health to be in good condition in the future and to live long years. This notion has been ruining the lives of female dogs who could live healthy life even if they do not have puppies. Pyometra in dogs has become a common illness that is not very popular with knowledge among pet owners. In my experience, I observed people do not possess enough knowledge in the same context. If you have a female dog you have not nurtured yet, this article is for you.

First, we need to understand what pyometra is in dogs.

Pyometra is commonly known as uterus infection, which occurs to be the secondary infection in dogs. It often results from hormonal changes in the female canine reproductive tract. The uterine infection usually occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the heat (estrus) in female dogs. After the heat cycles, the progesterone hormones remain in elevated form. Due to this, the lining in the uterus keeps building and thickens the uterus preparing it for pregnancy.

The thickness continues to grow and develop cysts within the uterus tissues. The canine uterus cannot create contractions on its own due to the thickness of its walls, resulting in increasing pus and infection within it. It is one of the painful phases a female dog has to endure. The cervix relaxes, allowing external germs and bacteria to enter the uterus after the heat cycle.

Also, check our other article related to dog health: “Dogs With Hypothyroidism- How To Deal With 7 Home Diet.

Types of pyometra in Dogs

The health condition during pyometra in dogs mostly depends on what stage of uterus infection the dog gets detected. The types depend on the health condition of your pet. Two kinds of pyometra are seen, usually referred to as open pyometra and closed pyometra—the pus and blood gets released from the vagina in the available form of uterus infection. Sometimes the discharge would start with a thick white or off-white substance that will develop reddish if the disease is in serious condition.

Closed pyometra is another form that sometimes takes a drastic turn as the infection cannot be released from the uterus on its own, leading it to release toxins in the blood. Closed pyometra is hard to detect and sometimes gets overlooked by the owner. It can also significantly increase creatinine or create kidney malfunction in your dog.

Early Pyometra symptoms in Dogs

The symptoms of uterus infection in dogs cannot be evident. Sometimes the signs remain underlying and undetectable as they do not manifest any symptoms unless they become overly due. However, there are specific symptoms that you could detect if you monitor your pet closely after the end of its heat cycle.

• Lethargic and reluctant to show excitement even when being offered their favorite treat.
• Showing disinterest while eating or having to hand feed your pup in some instances.
• Increased urination
• Fever
• Bloody discharge (mixture of pus and blood) from the vagina.
• Shivering (like in labor).
• High temperature
• Swollen abdomen
• Vomiting
• Weakness and collapse

These are the mainly observed signs, while sometimes, the owners get confused regarding the characters. The pyometra symptoms can appear with the mixed signs of Pseudo pregnancy in dogs. Look closer for such symptoms in your pet for the earliest possible detection of pyometra. If your pet is not eating much or is lethargic after a few weeks of her heat cycle, it is advisable to get a check-up done by your trusted vet.

Also, check our other article: Arthritis In Senior Dogs- How To Manage Pain At Home?

What are the treatments available?

If you find your pet suffering from pyometra, there are several methods of treating the pup right on time. The most important thing is to initiate the treatment as early as possible. One significant and most prominent method is the surgical removal of the infected uterus.

The ovariohysterectomy or spay surgery is the best treatment plan for your pet to have more healthy years of life ahead. The pets detected with early-stage uterus infection are the best suited for surgery.

Please do check our article: What Happens When Your Dog Sleeps In Your Bed?- Know 7 Benefits.

Those pets with severe infection symptoms need to be settled first from the health condition perspective. There might be a situation when you notice your pet has a high creatinine level or lower hemoglobin level. The Vet will first consider these aspects and medicate your puppy to get into a standard shape before surgery. Giving prior antibiotics could turn the open pyometra into closed ones, eventually increasing the risk of delayed treatment. In such a case, you must consult your vet and create a thorough discussion.

Female dogs above the age of 7 usually fall under close monitoring regarding pyometra symptoms. The surgery also gets complicated as it requires close monitoring by the surgeon, and intravenous fluids, after the surgery. In some instances, the Vet prefers stabilizing the canine and then performing the surgery to manage the associated risks. Another step before surgery is to drain the infection out with the help of medication. Your vet might suggest using a catheter to drain the pus out of the uterus or provide some medicines that will create contractions to push the infection out (only to be given when supervised by your vet).

Risks associated with the surgery:

• Overweighted dogs could fall at risk during the surgery as it will impact the respiratory system under anesthesia.
• The vitals should be at the right point for the pup, or anything could go wrong during the surgery.
• The critical stage of pyometra.
• Past health history of your pet.

Considering these things might help you to bring your pup to a stable condition for surgery while, in a way, you can help your Vet to perform it more efficiently.

What happens when you ignore the treatment plan?

Pyometra in dogs could become fatal if you are not paying much heed to the seriousness of the condition. It would help if you took certain aspects seriously, and the following points are essential in this regard.

• The uterus infection will reoccur over time and poison your pet’s internal organs.
• The kidney will most likely get influenced and even infected if the treatment is not performed immediately.
• The fatty liver might create issues with the digestion of your pet.
• The increased risk of the surgical removal might result in lifetime risk for your pet due to avoidance of the treatment plan.
• Risk of fever, pain, and increasing chances of uterus burst if the infection cannot drain itself from the uterus.
• Other associated issues are the lack 0f regular checkups with your Vet.

Essential things to consider when your puppy has pyometra

Each female dog might get a uterus infection at a certain point. But there are certain things that we can keep track of. It will help us skillfully manage the disease if it happens.

• Take good care and maintain the hygiene of your pup during her heat cycle.
• Use proper cleaning agents at your house while your pet is on her heating cycle.
• If you find your pet suffering from pyometra or early signs of uterus infection, immediately consult your Vet.
• Consider a periodic blood test to count on your pup’s CBC or hemoglobin blood count, LFT, and creatinine ( as per your vet’s instruction).
• Focus on more water intake by your pet as it will help flush out the infection from the kidney, if any.
• Notice your pet’s urination patterns, color, and smell. It will help understand the impact of uterus infection on the kidney or bladder.
• Consider the earliest possible treatment for your puppy as per your vet’s advice.

Closing remarks

We all fear losing our pets, so some tend to be extra careful, and some remain casual as the pet does not show any sign of illness. We must conduct thorough checkups of our pets and know their detailed health history. Pyometra or Uterus infection is such an issue that it should be treated on time. We often fear losing our furbabies during surgery, but it is the most powerful thing we can do for them to have a healthy life ahead.