Pyometra is an infection causing pus in the womb. This is a disease which affects dogs who have not been spayed. Surgery must be performed to remove the ovaries and womb as this infection will result in death if left untreated.
Symptoms
- Drinking excessive quantities of water
- Urinating large amounts frequently
- Licking the vagina (at the early stages of the disease)
- Low-grade fever (possibly)
- Elevated white blood cell count
- Weakness in the rear legs
- As the disease progresses, kidney failure will cause lethargy and loss of appetite.
Treatment
A complete ovariohysterectomy (spay) is usually recommended. This removes the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, and all associated blood vessels. If the disease is caught early or the dog is too sick for surgery, antibiotics may be tried.
Prevention
Female dogs should be spayed at six months of age. Dogs used for breeding should be spayed as soon as they are past their breeding years.
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