Pyometra and the Importance of Spaying Your Pet

On January 16th, 2014 a concerned owner brought in a 6-year-old mixed breed female dog, “Tara” for not feeling well, and because she was urinating more frequently. We took a couple of X-Rays and also performed a Urinalysis to determine what was going on. After reviewing the results Dr. Current diagnosed a Pyometra, which is a disease mainly affecting middle-aged female dogs that have not been spayed. It is a bacterial infection of the uterus following an estrus cycle. When Pyometra occurs, the body will attempt to eliminate the problem by carrying the wastes and excess fluid through the bloodstream to the kidneys. Untreated, this disease can be fatal. Pyometra is a common and serious problem and is just one of many reasons to have your female pet spayed at an early age. The cost for a spay, depending on age and weight of the patient, ranges from $165 – $245 while the cost to treat Pyometra ranges from $500 – $900. It is much less expensive to have your pet spayed. Signs of a Pyometra may include: drinking excessive amounts of water, urinating more frequently, licking her vaginal area, white fluid discharge from vulva (which may or may not occur), fever, weakness in rear legs from the uterus increasing in size, increased white blood cell count found by blood work, when entering kidney failure they become very lethargic and do not want to eat, also watch for abdominal swelling. So if you notice any or all of these symptoms, please contact us right away to schedule an appointment at one of our clinics. It is better to be safe than sorry! Since the toxicity of a Pyometra may occur quickly, it is very important to perform surgery right away, which is a procedure called an Ovariohysterectomy (spay). We did perform surgery on “Tara” that very same day, and also gave her antibiotics to take home. She has had a very smooth recovery, and we are glad to report that she is doing great!