Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection in female animals caused by hormonal changes, indicating two types: open and closed, which pose significant health risks. Symptoms include increased thirst, urination, abdominal distention, and lethargy, especially in intact female dogs over five years old. Treatment often involves surgery and spaying is the only effective prevention method.

1. Pyometra
Recognition and Treatment

2. Pyometra: a life-threatening uterine
infection resulting from hormonal changes in
the female reproductive tract
“Pyo” = Pus “Metra” = Uterus
Healthy uterus Pus-filled uterus
(Pyometra)

3. How does bacteria get into the
uterus?
• When the cervix is open during a normal part of
the female’s reproductive cycle, bacteria from the
vagina can enter the uterus.
• The uterus is usually unfavorable for bacterial
survival but in certain animals, the uterine wall
becomes thickened and collects mucous secretions
– leading to the perfect environment for bacterial
growth.

4. Two Types of Pyometra:
• “Open:” the cervix (entrance to the uterus) remains open. Pus
from the uterus is free to drain out through the vagina and is
noticeable under the animal’s tail.
• “Closed:” the cervix remains shut and pus cannot drain from
the uterus. The abdomen becomes distended with the pus-
filled uterine horns.

5. Why is a pyometra so
dangerous?
• The uterus becomes so full with pus that it can rupture and
put your pet at risk for septic shock.
• The toxins produced by the bacterial infection leak into the
bloodstream and can severely damage your pet’s other organs
- especially the kidney which loses the ability to preserve the
body’s water (which makes the animal drink more water and
urinate more frequently).

6. Signs to look out for:
• Increased water consumption
• Increased urination
• Distended abdomen or purulent (pus) vaginal discharge
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

7. Risk Factors
• Usually seen in intact female dogs -
but also occurs in cats and small
"pocket pets."
• More common in dogs > 5 years old,
with an increased chance in those that
have never given birth.
• Breeding dogs that have received
progesterone or estrogen shots are at
a higher risk.

8. Meet Bailey
11 year old Golden Retriever
Bailey’s owners noticed that she had been
drinking and urinating more often than
normal.
They also noticed that her abdomen was
distended and firm to the touch. They
brought her into IVS for treatment.

9. How IVS helped Bailey
• The doctors at IVS recognized Bailey’s symptoms
and took diagnostic radiographs of her abdomen,
which revealed enlarged uterine horns.
• Bloodwork showed that her white blood cell
count was extremely elevated, signifying that she
was fighting a severe infection.
• Bailey was quickly diagnosed with a Closed
Pyometra.
• She was taken into surgery where a successful
emergency ovariohysterectomy was performed
(removal of the uterus & ovaries).

10. Recovery
• Bailey stayed at IVS for 3 days while she
recovered with pain management, limited
activity, and intravenous fluid therapy.
• Her vitals were monitored closely and she
was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics to
prevent any further infection.
• Bailey made a speedy recovery and returned
home - much to her excitement!

11. Prevention
• Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is
the only effective way to prevent
a pyometra. Spaying at a young
age also helps prevent other
reproductive diseases and makes
recovery faster & easier.
• For breeding animals, keep a
close watch on reproductive
cycles and any changes in
behavior.

12. Works Cited
• Côté, Etienne. Clinical Veterinary Advisor, Dogs and
Cats. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby, 2011. Print.
• Plunkett, Signe J. Emergency Procedures for the Small
Animal Veterinarian. Toronto: Saunders Elsevier,
2013. Print.