We at Summit Dog & Cat Hospital in Summit, NJ, can provide pyometra treatment at our animal clinic. A veterinarian at our animal hospital can provide multiple types of veterinary care, including treating infections such as pyometra.
Pyometra
Pyometra is a uterine bacterial infection that occurs in cats and dogs. Typically, the infection causes the uterus to fill with pus, swell, and create a bad smell. Pyometra is considered a medical emergency for your pet. If not immediately treated, it can overwhelm your pet’s immune system and may result in death.
Pyometra usually happens when a pet has not been spayed but also has not become pregnant for an extended period of time. If your female cat or dog has not been spayed, spaying will remove the risk pyometra outright. We can perform spay surgery at our animal hospital.
Symptoms of Pyometra
Symptoms and signs of pyometra should be taken seriously. If a veterinarian at our animal clinic can catch it in its early stages, there is less risk of danger for your pet. Pyometra can quickly become life-threatening as the bacteria starts affecting your pet. It is essential to know the symptoms and observe your pet carefully.
Common symptoms of pyometra include:
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Bloody vaginal discharge
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling of the chest
- A bad smell
Pyometra Treatment Options
Depending on the stage of pyometra and diagnostic information on your pet, you may have veterinary options for treatment.
We will likely recommend that your pet has her uterus removed via a spay surgery. If you still intend to use the pet for breeding purposes, we can use antibiotics to try to fight the infection. The second option usually takes longer, is more expensive, and more painful for your pet.
Spaying Your Pet
These are some of the benefits of spaying your pet:
- Quick recovery time
- Lower risk of reoccurrence
- Decreases risk of other uterine diseases and disorders
- Eliminates the risk of uterine or ovarian disease
- Decreases aggressive behavior
- Lowers risk of mammary diseases and disorders
- Eliminates the heat cycle
Get Veterinary Care frim a Veterinarian at Our Animal Hospital
If your dog or cat experiences any of the symptoms of pyometra listed above, do not hesitate to contact our animal clinic immediately. Our mission and commitment at Summit Dog & Cat Hospital in Summit, NJ, is to treat our pet patients and get them back to wellness and pain-free, active living. We are pleased to serve not only Summit, but the surrounding areas of Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston, Edison, Chatham, Madison, Union, Westfield and Springfield, NJ.
Call us at (908) 273-2200 for more information.
Summit Dog & Cat Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your visit.
What is pyometra in dogs and cats?
Pyometra is a serious bacterial infection that causes the uterus to fill with infected fluid. It mainly affects unspayed female dogs and cats and can quickly become life threatening without prompt veterinary care.
What are the signs and symptoms of pyometra?
Common signs and symptoms of pyometra include lethargy, reduced appetite, increased thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, abdominal swelling, and vaginal discharge. Some pets have no discharge when the cervix is closed.
What does treatment for pyometra in dogs involve?
Treatment for pyometra in dogs usually involves stabilizing the pet with fluids and antibiotics, followed by surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries. Dog pyometra treatment should begin quickly because the infection can spread and cause shock.
Can pyometra in dogs be treated without surgery?
Medical treatment may be considered for carefully selected breeding dogs that are stable and have an open cervix. However, this approach requires close veterinary monitoring and carries a greater risk of complications and recurrence than surgery.
What does cat pyometra treatment include?
Cat pyometra treatment commonly includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries. Although pyometra is less common in cats, it remains an emergency and can progress rapidly without treatment.