Pyometra is a collection of pus in the uterine cavity. Pyometra in a dog: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications after surgery

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

One of the most dangerous and common obstetric problems in dogs is pyometra. This disease is accompanied by an accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus and an inflammatory process. The disease is dangerous not only because of the loss of the pet's reproductive function, but in some cases can be fatal. Treatment is possible with conservative methods, but experts believe that a surgical solution to the problem is more effective. Read more about the symptoms and treatment of pyometra in dogs below.

What is this

In order to understand how serious this disease is, it is necessary to ask why this happens and what consequences await the pet. Translated from Greek, pyometritis means a purulent inflammatory process in the uterus. The disease can appear at any age, but most often it occursin the second half of the life cycle.

Here you should read the information regarding estrus in dogs, up to what age it occurs and how it affects the development of pyometra. Veterinarians say that estrus can last almost a lifetime. During this period, the level of progesterone in the body of the animal is increased and remains so for some time after the end of estrus. This contributes to the thickening of the lining of the uterus to prepare it for possible fertilization. During this period, the animal's immunity weakens, which, along with an open passage to the uterus, often causes the penetration of pathogens.

At the same time, the lack of air circulation inside the uterus and the dog's body temperature create ideal conditions for the reproduction and growth of bacteria. An increase in their number leads to the development of pyometra or infection in the uterus.

Reasons

Veterinarians believe that the main reason for the development of pyometra is hormonal problems. Failure in the dog's body occurs due to malfunction of the ovaries and dysfunction of the corpus luteum. In this case, the ovaries increase the production of progesterone, which is responsible for bearing offspring and preparing the uterus for fertilization. The hormone reduces the protective functions of the mucous membrane of the organ, which leads to the development of pathogenic microflora.

In addition, elevated levels of progesterone in the blood leads to the closure of the cervix, which causes the accumulation of pus in the dog's uterus. Also, the causes of pyometra include:

1. No childbirthsterilized dog. Estrus, which does not end with fertilization, often causes hormonal disruptions and is accompanied by inflammation. If each estrus ends in viscous and childbirth, the animal is also susceptible to this serious disease.
2. Sedentary lifestyle, obesity. These factors adversely affect the supply of oxygen to the internal organs, which leads to uterine atony. Reduced contractile activity of the muscle layer of this organ causes congestion.
3. Diseases of the reproductive system. Endometritis, ovarian cysts, inflammation, vaginitis are all risk factors for pyometra.
4. False pregnancy. Hormonal disorders lead to negative changes in the uterine mucosa and contribute to the development of inflammatory processes.
5. Using hormonal contraceptives to control a dog's sexual behavior. "Sex barrier", "Stop sex" and similar drugs lead to endometrial hyperplasia and provoke inflammation in the uterus.

According to the observation of veterinarians, most often pyometra is a disease of animals older than 5 years. It is worth noting that a dangerous disease is not typical for sterilized pets. Also, many breeders and doctors consider an unbalanced diet in terms of amino acids and proteins, a deficiency of vitamins and microelements, and the same type of feeding as a provoking factor.

Views

In veterinary practice, two forms of pathology are distinguished:

• Open pyometra in a dog - appears when the cervix is open, which allows purulent discharge to come out.
• Closed pyometra in dogs - occurs when the cervix is closed. This form is considered more severe, since the discharge cannot come out. The uterus gradually fills with fluid, which leads to intoxication from bacteria.

A strong increase in the volume of the uterus can cause rupture of the organ. This is a serious complication that leads to the development of a septic infection and even death. If drug treatment is still possible with an open form of the disease, then only surgery and removal of the uterus will help with closed pyometra.

Symptoms

A sick pet is characterized by constant thirst and an increase in the amount of urine (polyuria). The owner may notice purulent or bloody discharge from the dog, as well as an increase in the volume of the abdomen. The animal becomes lethargic and apathetic, the pet has no or reduced appetite, while the body temperature is elevated.

Discharge from the external genital organs can be seen only with an open form of the disease, since mucus and pus can freely come out of the uterus. In a clean animal, the owner does not always notice the discharge from the dog in time, if other symptoms of the disease are less pronounced.

When the uterus is closed, the secret does not pass and the pet's condition deteriorates rapidly. Pus accumulates inside the organ, which within a few days can lead to rupture of the uterus, diffuse peritonitis and death of the dog.

Diagnosis and treatment

Most often, the diagnosis is not particularly difficult - it is enough to take anamnesis, examination and ultrasound. The dog may have a blood test, urine test, an x-ray taken, and a loop swab cytology.

The treatment for pyometra depends on the form of the disease. Closed implies only surgical intervention. It is in this way that you can increase the chances of saving the animal. During the operation, not only the uterus filled with pus is removed, but also the ovaries in order to further prevent relapses and hormonal abnormalities.

As a rule, pets in serious condition are admitted for surgery with pyometra, therefore, after surgery, infusion therapy is carried out, with the help of which the body is supported and the volume of blood lost during the operation is replenished. In some cases, the drip is already placed on the operating table.

Medicated treatment

At the initial stage of open pyometra, you can try to carry out drug treatment, but only under the strict supervision of a veterinarian. As a rule, before starting therapy, the doctor clarifies whether it is important to preserve the reproductive ability of the animal. If not, an operation is suggested, as the risk of recurrence after medical treatment is very high.

In addition, surgical intervention is performed if the treatment does not give a positive result. Good dynamics is considered to be an improvement in the general condition, I also reduce the uterus insizes. Until the body is completely cleansed of pus, it can take from 2 to 3 weeks. Therefore, discharge may still be visible during this period.

The following medications are used during conservative treatment:

• Antibiotics. Before the appointment, a bacterial culture is performed. The treatment course lasts 2-3 weeks.
• Prostaglandins. These drugs are based on substances that will lead to the destruction of the corpus luteum and the contraction of the muscle fibers of the uterus. They also do not reduce neck tension. It should be borne in mind that such drugs have many side effects, so they are used only in a hospital.
• Antiprogestins. These medications open up the cervix and reverse the effects of progesterone, which helps restore muscle contraction and reduce endometrial stress.

Pyometra in dogs: complications after surgery

During the operation itself, things can go wrong. In order not to risk the animals, you should carefully select a veterinary clinic for the procedure. The more experienced the doctor, the less risk to the dog's life.

Complications after surgery include bleeding, dehiscence of sutures, infections, urinary incontinence and the negative effects of anesthesia on the animal's body.

Pyometra prevention

The most effective measure to prevent a dog from pyometra is sterilization. If the animal is intended for breeding, the following recommendations must be observed:

1. Increasephysical activity, as they help maintain natural biorhythms.
2. No sex-lowering drugs.
3. Satisfaction of the reproductive instinct.
4. Natural and timely emptying of the bladder and intestines.

Danger to humans

For a disease to occur in a person, namely females, there must be a blockage of the cervix, after which an infection may develop due to the impossibility of excretion. The blockage can be caused by the hormonal or physiological characteristics of the woman. Pyometra is not a contagious disease. But still, when a sick animal is in the house, sanitary measures should be carefully observed, since the secretions contain a lot of bacteria, which in themselves can be dangerous to human he alth. It is good practice to isolate the dog from immunocompromised people and children.