Pyometra what is it? Can it be prevented?

Posted by Team Maria on March 22nd, 2019

The pyometra is an exclusive disease of females of different species being very frequent in bitches. It is a uterine infection in which secretions, bacteria and pus accumulate in the uterus. It is a very frequent pathology in geriatric and middle-aged females that have not been sterilized or have undergone contraceptive treatments. If you need the perfect treatment then follow Finnhillanimalhospital.com.

Pyometra should be diagnosed and treated quickly, otherwise it could cause the death of the animal.

There are two types of pyometra:

• Open: in this type of pyometra, the flow and pus can be expelled to the outside through the cervix. They are less serious and easier to cure.
• Closed: in this type, the cervix is ​​closed, and does not allow the uterus to drain the infection outside. If it is not diagnosed early and it continues to accumulate pus and harmful substances, there is a time when it can rupture in the abdominal cavity and produce peritonitis.

Why are piometras produced?

The causes of the pyometra are not known for sure. Pyometra is a secondary bacterial infection of the uterus. This infection may be caused, for example, by a metabolic alteration of progesterone. These alterations can cause ovarian cysts to form and increase the flow, propitiating a favorable environment for bacterial colonization.

What symptoms do animals present with pyometra?

The symptoms of pyometra are usually nonspecific. The animals may begin showing lack of appetite and lack of appetite. Sometimes a feverish picture may occur.

There are other symptoms that can occur such as:

• Licking of the vaginal area.
• Abnormal color of the vulva.
• Secretion of Pus reddish or yellowish and malodorous by the vulva (in the case of open pyometra).
• Polyuria-Polydipsia (Drink more water and urinate more).

If the pyometra is not diagnosed and progresses, the symptoms can evolve and appear:

• High fever.
• Lethargy
• Abdomen bulge
• Vomiting and diarrhea.

How can I treat the pyometra?

If we detect any of these symptoms, we must take our pet urgently to the veterinarian.

Normally the diagnosis is based on a clinical examination and ultrasound or radiography. Sometimes a blood test is needed to see the general condition of the patient.

The treatment can be done in two ways:

• Drug treatment: based on prostaglandins and antibiotics. It is not the most recommended option and is only administered in cases of open piometras that are not very advanced.
• Surgical treatment: it is usually the treatment of choice in both open and closed pyometras. It consists in the extirpation of the uterus, preventing other future pyometra.

If this disease is not treated in time it can trigger in the death of the animal.

Can it be prevented?

The answer to this question is yes. The method of prevention par excellence is sterilization, 100% effective.

Sterilizing our pet we can avoid suffering from this pathology. Sterilization is surgery that removes ovaries and uterus. By performing this surgery, since there is no uterus, this problem cannot occur. If, in addition, we do an early sterilization, in young females the probability of suffering breast tumors also decreases.