What are the symptoms of pyometra (uterine infection)?

Lethargy and weakness. Drinking and urinating a lot. Loss of appetite, vomiting. Vaginal discharge of pus or blood (if the cervix is open). Swollen abdomen. Typically appears 4-8 weeks after the season

Is Pyometra (uterine infection) contagious?

Pyometra (uterine infection) does not spread directly between animals.

Aparato reproductor

Pyometra (uterine infection)

A serious infection of the uterus, which fills with pus. It affects unspayed females, usually a few weeks after their season. It is an emergency that puts the animal's life at risk.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats🐰 Rabbits

This may be a veterinary emergency

EMERGENCY: an unspayed female that, weeks after her season, is lethargic, drinking a lot and has a vaginal discharge or a swollen abdomen needs IMMEDIATE veterinary attention.

Symptoms to watch for

• Lethargy and weakness
• Drinking and urinating a lot
• Loss of appetite, vomiting
• Vaginal discharge of pus or blood (if the cervix is open)
• Swollen abdomen
• Typically appears 4-8 weeks after the season

Causes

After the season, hormonal changes prime the uterus, which becomes susceptible to bacterial infection. It affects unspayed females of middle age and older.

Diagnosis

Ultrasound (shows the uterus full of pus) + blood tests. A history of a recent season is a strong pointer.

Treatment

EMERGENCY: the treatment of choice is surgery to remove the infected uterus, together with fluid therapy and antibiotics. It is a life-saving operation.

Prevention

SPAYING prevents pyometra completely. It is the most important medical reason to spay females that are not going to be bred from.

When should you see the vet?

EMERGENCY: an unspayed female that, weeks after her season, is lethargic, drinking a lot and has a vaginal discharge or a swollen abdomen needs IMMEDIATE veterinary attention.

Consult a vet 24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.