if any bitch You will surely have heard of it in old age. pyometra in dogs or canine pyometraThis uterine infection usually occurs without bitches to sterilize They have reached sexual maturity and can be very serious if not treated promptly. Therefore, it is very important to know what they are. pyometra symptoms, causes and treatment in dogs to be able to detect it in time and take care of the health of your furry one.
What is pyometra in dogs and why does it occur?
This pyometra in dogs One serious disease affecting the uterus of females older than six years of age who do not have offspring. This bacterial infection that causes uterine inflammation can result from the use of progestational stimulation or hormonal treatments during pregnancy. This symptoms of pyometra in dogs they can change in any case and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and require immediate veterinary attention. keep reading and learn Everything you need to know about pyometra in dogs and how to prevent it.
This pyometra in dogs is a common secondary infection that can occur due to hormonal changes during the reproductive cycle. of females. If pregnancy does not occur after several consecutive cycles, the uterine lining thickens and cysts, known as cystic endometrial hyperplasia, may form.
Exposure to high progesterone concentrations without pregnancy over several cycles (psychological pregnancies anyone fake pregnancies) increases the risk of endometrial cyst development, and the secretions produced in the uterus during these attacks are an excellent breeding ground for some bacteria. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia creates an ideal environment for childbirth. bacterial growth that can cause pyometra in dogs. The thickening of the uterine lining secretes fluids that cannot be expelled, causing the uterus to swell and the female dog’s abdomen to expand. The infection can endanger the life of the animal if not treated properly..
There are two types of pyometra in dogs.
Do you know the two types of canine pyometra? Open pyometra and closed pyometra. Inside open pyometrathe cervix relaxes and suppurates, while in closed pyometra, the uterus does not flow and expands, causing painful swelling in the lower abdomen.
Closed pyometra is often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, and may cause toxicity symptoms such as high fever, tachycardia, and shock. Dogs with closed pyometra may appear more ill than those with open pyometra.
The best way to prevent your pet from developing priometra is to have him spayed as soon as possible. to avoid complications.
Pyometra in Dogs: How do bacteria reach the womb?
During heat, bacteria can easily enter the womb of female dogs. The gateway to the uterus is the cervix, which relaxes during heat to allow the passage of sperm. Under normal conditions, the uterine environment prevents bacteria from living. However, when the uterine wall thickens or becomes cystic due to cystic endometrial hyperplasia, ideal conditions for bacterial growth are created.
Meanwhile, bacteria normally found in the vagina can easily enter the uterus through the cervix and causes pyometra in dogs. If not properly treated, pyometra can endanger the life of the animal.
Symptoms of pyometra in dogs: how to detect?
One of the most striking signs pyometra in dogs presence vaginal discharge of pus or bloodcan be mixed with heat. Although this does not happen in all cases, as it depends on the heat stage the animal is in. If two to six weeks have passed since estrus, the cervix will be open (open pyometra) and the bitch will present such secretions.
On the other hand, if estrus has passed between six and eight weeks, the cervix is closed or in the process of closing (closed pyometra) and will be much more difficult to diagnose as there will be no signs of vaginal discharge and the infection may worsen.
This dog pyometra often manifests itself in different ways. symptoms in the initial phase:
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Depression
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Lethargy
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loss of appetite
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extreme thirst
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increased urinary frequency
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vomiting
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Diarrhea
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tachycardia
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shock
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High fever
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abdominal swelling
When pyometra has progressed because it has not been detected or the female dog has not received adequate treatment, more serious symptoms may occur such as:
- acute kidney failure
- Peritonitis
- Sepsis or generalized infection which can cause the death of the animal.
Which dog breeds are more prone to pyometra?
Pyometra in dogs can affect any young or middle-aged female, especially if she has not been neutered, although it is more common in older female dogs.. This uterine condition usually occurs two to eight weeks after the last warming.
Although pyometra in dogs can affect any breed, some are more prone to it. Among the most susceptible breeds dog pyometra The Rough Coated Collie includes the Rottweiler, Miniature Schnauzer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog and English Springer Spaniel.
In contrast, some are thought to be. dog breeds they are less prone to developing pyometra in dogs. These include the Drever, German Shepherd, Dachshund and Swedish Hounds.
Prevention of pyometra in dogs: what precautions can I take?
This pyometra in dogs It is more common in female dogs that are older than 6 years of age, have no puppies, and have been hormone-treated with estrogen or progesterone.
Unless you’re planning on your bitch having offspring, The best way to prevent pyometra in dogs is early neutering.
Interestingly, female dogs that have given birth rarely develop pyometra. For reasons still unknown, pregnancy exerts a protective effect on the canine endometrium, preventing the development of pyometra in areas where the placenta is attached.
Bitches usually go into heat every 6 or 7 months. Unless your dog has been neutered, it is recommended to record the dates of heat on a calendar. In this way, you will be able to detect whether bleeding occurs at the expected times. If not, it’s important to consult your veterinarian.
What is the treatment for pyometra in dogs?
If pus is coming from your dog’s vulva or you suspect he has pyometra, you should go to the vet immediately. There they will go for a diagnosis by examining your medical history, your symptoms, and a blood test or ultrasound.
Most likely, if your dog has pyometra, your vet will recommend it. complete removal of the ovaries and uterus (ovariohystectomy). Although sometimes canine pyometra can be treated with antibiotics and prostaglandins to cause contractions to facilitate the discharge of pus from the uterus, this treatment does not prevent the disease from reoccurring. For this reason, it is generally not recommended.