This document summarizes information about pyometra, an infection of the uterus that results in pus accumulation. It defines pyometra and classifies it as either open or closed. Open pyometra involves a discharge from the vagina while closed pyometra does not. Common causes are hormonal and structural changes to the uterus from aging and heat cycles. Symptoms can include vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever. Diagnosis involves blood tests, x-rays, and ultrasounds. Treatment is usually a surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries, while in some cases prostaglandins may be used to medically treat the condition in valuable breeding animals. Prevention involves early spaying of pets.

1. An
Assignment
On
“Pyometra”
Submitted toDr.B.S.Rathod
Submitted byPandya Kalpesh R.
Sem-5th
Roll.no-10
Reg.no-PVETS-040010-2011

2. Pyometra
 What is pyometra?
 Pyo = pus, infection; metra = womb or uterus
 Pyometra is an infection in the uterus. resulting in the
accumulation of infective fluid (pus) within the cavity of this
organ.

3.  Pyometra may be classified as open or closed.
1)Open pyometra:
 In open pyometra, a common sign is a discharge from
the vagina. This discharge may be bloody or yellow or
cream coloured.
2)Close pyometra:
 In closed pyometra, no discharge to the exterior
occurs.

4. Etiology
 Pyometra is a result of hormonal and structural
changes in the uterus lining.
 The changes in the womb that occur with each cycle
make infection more likely with age.
 Infection is usually caused by a very common
organism called E. coli. The disease often occurs in
the weeks or months following a heat or season
period.
 Injections with some hormones to stop seasons or for
treatment of other conditions can also increase the
risk of pyometra developing.

5. Symptoms
 The most obvious symptom of open pyometra is a discharge
of pus from the vulva in a Female that has recently been in
heat.
 However, symptoms of closed pyometra are less obvious.
 Symptoms of both types include vomiting, loss of
appetite, depression, and increased drinking and urinating.

6.  Fever is seen in less than a third of female dogs with
pyometra.
 Closed pyometra is a more serious condition than
open pyometra not only because there is no outlet for
the infection but also because a diagnosis of closed
pyometra can easily be missed due to its insidious
nature. Bloodwork may show dehydration and/or
increased white blood cell count.
 X-rays will show an enlarged
uterus, and ultrasound will confirm the presence of a
fluid filled uterus.

7. Diagnosis
 Based on the symptoms.
 Diagnosis can sometimes be difficult, particularly
in the closed-cervix form of pyometra where no
pus is seen.
 Blood and urine tests may be ordered to help with
the diagnosis.
 By Radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasound
examination

8. Pyometra in a dog, seen during surgery. The uterus is
distended with pus.

9. Treatment
1)
Surgical Treatment:
-The preferred treatment is to surgically remove
the uterus and ovaries.
-This is called an ovario-hysterectomy ("spay")
and is the safest and most effective way of
treating pyometra.
2) Medical Treatment:
- using prostaglandins is available for valuable
breeding
bitches
where
desexing
is
undesirable.

10.  Prostaglandins are a group of hormones that
reduce the blood level of progesterone, relax and
open the cervix, and contract the uterus to expel
bacteria and pus. Injections are given daily for 3-5
days.

11. Prevention
 pyometra can be prevented by routine desexing
("spay") of your dog or cat while she is young.
 We recommend desexing of all non-breeding pets at
5-6 months of age.

12. THANKS