Pyometra in female dogs and cats
An emergency you should know about
Pyometra is a serious disease of the reproductive system that mainly affects unspayed females. It consists of an infection of the uterus, where purulent material accumulates, and can seriously endanger the animal’s life if not detected and treated in time. For this reason, it is considered a veterinary emergency.
It can occur at any age once sexual maturity has been reached, although it is more common in adult or elderly animals. It usually develops weeks after oestrus, when hormones cause changes in the uterus that promote bacterial proliferation.
What are the causes of pyometra?
Although there is no single cause, its onset is favoured by:
- Hormonal changes associated with the reproductive cycle
- Bacteria entering the uterus from the vagina
- Previous births
- Use of hormonal drugs to suppress heat (increasingly less recommended)
Types of pyometra
There are two forms:
🔸Open pyometra: the cervix remains open and vaginal discharge can be observed.
🔸Closed pyometra: there is no visible discharge, as the contents are retained in the uterus. This is the most dangerous form, with a risk of sepsis.
Which animals are most at risk?
It is more common in bitches over 6 years of age, females that have never given birth, and animals that have been given hormones to control heat. Although less common, it can also occur in animals that have already been spayed if a small remnant of the uterus remains.
Can cats get pyometra?
Yes. Although it is more commonly known in dogs, unspayed cats can also suffer from pyometra. In cats, the signs may be more subtle, as they tend to lick themselves frequently and vaginal discharge may go unnoticed.
Warning signs
Clinical signs may vary depending on the type of pyometra, but the most common are:
- Loss of appetite and apathy
- Fever
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst and urination
- Distended abdomen
- Vulvar discharge and inflammation
- Excessive licking of the vulva
- Pale mucous membranes
In many cases, these symptoms appear between 1 and 2 months after the last heat. At the slightest suspicion, it is essential to see a vet as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis is based on a detailed medical history, physical examination and complementary tests such as blood tests, vaginal cytology and abdominal ultrasound, the latter being the most useful tool for confirming the disease.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the case:
🔺Medical treatment, reserved for very specific situations and under strict veterinary supervision.
🔺Surgical treatment, involving the removal of the uterus and ovaries, is the safest and most definitive option, especially after stabilising the animal if its general condition requires it.
Prevention
Sterilisation is the best way to prevent pyometra and other serious reproductive diseases, as well as improving the quality and life expectancy of dogs and cats.
📌If you notice any suspicious symptoms, see your vet as soon as possible: speed can save her life.