Pyometra in dogs

Pyometra is usually seen in older, female dogs, typically over the age of seven, who have not been neutered although it can happen in any un-spayed (un-neutered) female dogs of any age.

It is serious and needs urgent veterinary attention. Pyometra can lead to kidney failure, toxaemia, dehydration and, in some cases, death. Usually, the only cure once the pet has developed pyometra is emergency surgery to remove their womb. 

What are the symptoms of pyometra?

Signs might include:

• tiredness and not wanting to move  
• your pet not being bothered by their food or loss of appetite  
• drinking more water than usual  
• discharge from their vagina  
• faster breathing  
• vomiting  

If you suspect that your pet may have pyometra contact your vet immediately – acting fast could save their life.

How is pyometra treated?

Pyometra is a serious infection that can make your dog very unwell. The urgent treatment required aims to reduce the risk of organ damage, prepare them for an anaesthetic and compete surgery to remove the infected womb.

The surgical procedure is similar to a normal spay of a healthy womb, however there is a higher level of risk with the surgery as the womb can contain a lot of pus, and the tissue is very fragile.

The earlier an infected womb is removed, the greater chances of a dog’s survival. Sadly, pyometras and complications resulting from the risky operation needed can be fatal.

Pyometra is one of the main reasons why we recommend female dogs are preventatively spayed.

Why do dogs get pyometra?

Pyometra is caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly E. coli, and often occurs a few weeks after a female has finished a season.

Changes in hormones after your dog is in season can make the chance of infection much more likely. This usually occurs a few weeks to months after their season has finished.

How is pyometra diagnosed in dogs?

Your vet will first ask questions about when your dog’s last season was, whether she has been cleaning herself more often around her vulva, and how she has been acting recently.

They will check your dog over and examine their abdomen to check for swelling and may perform an ultrasound examination.

How can I stop my dog getting a pyometra? 

Neutering your dog by removing her entire womb will prevent them getting a pyometra.

About one in four older, unneutered female dogs will suffer from pyometra but it can be prevented by neutering.

There are rare occasions where, even if your dog has been neutered, infection can still occur. This may occur if some tissue has been left behind and is called a ‘uterine stump pyometra’.