Pyometra – ever heard of it? This is a purulent inflammation of the uterus, which is relatively common in unneutered bitches and must be treated without fail. Here we would like to inform you in more detail about this disease and possible therapy methods. So you are well informed and can help your darling early, should the suspicion of a uterine inflammation exist.
The most important facts at a glance
- Pyometra is when the mucous membrane of the uterus is inflamed with pus.
- Typical symptoms include purulent discharge, increased thirst and lassitude.
- An ulcerated uterus is usually life-threatening and should be treated without fail.
- In many cases such a disease is connected with disturbances in the gastrointestinal system.
- For the prophylaxis of uterine problems we therefore recommend a gut-healthy feeding.
Table of contents
Purulent vaginal discharge, strong thirst, fever and abdominal pain: These complaints do not only sound really unpleasant – they can be an indication that your bitch suffers from a suppuration of the uterus, also called pyometra. In this guide, you’ll learn how inflammation of the uterus can occur and what options are available to support your dog’s well-being during and after the illness.
Tip: This guide contains recommendations for supportive measures in case of uterine infections. To clarify the diagnosis and therapy of your bitch, a visit to the vet is essential!
Pyometra in dogs – what is it anyway??
From a pyometra or. An inflammation of the uterus in dogs is when the mucous membrane of the uterus is inflamed with pus. This not only limits the well-being of the affected bitch, but can also have devastating consequences for her health. The bacteria present in the inflammation usually form toxins that flood the organism and can lead to blood poisoning. If suppuration of the uterus is not treated, it is usually fatal.
This means: Pyometra is a life-threatening disease, which must be treated in any case!
What are the typical symptoms of uterine suppuration??
From a medical point of view, uterine inflammation in a bitch can occur in the open or closed form. If the cervix is open, this is usually noticeable by a purulent, possibly also bloody or mucus-like vaginal discharge. In the closed form (i.e. when the cervix is closed) or when the bitch constantly licks herself clean, a suppuration of the uterus is often not noticed at an early stage, which makes this disease so dangerous.
In addition to an often foul-smelling discharge, an inflammation of the uterus can become noticeable through many other symptoms. In many cases, affected bitches drink significantly more than usual and therefore also urinate more. In addition, they often appear tired and listless, many also suffer from back pain.
Other possible symptoms of pyometra in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased temperature / fever
- Tight abdominal wall and abdominal pain
Uterine suppuration is a medical emergency! If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your bitch, we recommend you to go to the vet as soon as possible.
I am so thirsty! If your bitch is drinking more than normal, this may indicate a uterine infection.
Which dogs are particularly often affected?
Since hormones play an essential role in the development of uterine suppuration, it is mainly un-neutered bitches that suffer from it. According to our observations, pyometra mostly affects hormonally "hyperactive" animals. This refers, for example, to bitches that first come into heat and then appear to be pregnant.
Pregnancy in dogs: What exactly happens in the body??
When a bitch is pregnant, her body secretes the hormone progesterone, which maintains the pregnancy. After the puppies are born, the progesterone level drops again. The body now knows that a birth has occurred and instead releases a hormone that stimulates the mammary glands.
In the case of a bitch in apparent pregnancy, the hormonal balance has undergone exactly the same process. The rapid drop in progesterone and the release of the lactation hormone makes her body think she is a mother. This is often noticeable by milk forming in the uterus and the bitch looking for a puppy replacement.
As a rule, the uterine mucosa breaks down again after the end of false pregnancy in the dog. If the body does not manage to do this properly, the result can be inflammation of the uterus. But it is also possible that uterine suppuration develops after a heat without pregnancy.
Toy or puppy substitute? Certain hormones cause a bitch in false pregnancy to believe that she is a mother.
How can uterine inflammation occur?
During heat, the bitch’s body secretes more hormones, especially progesterone. Increased hormone levels ensure that the uterine lining builds up and has more blood flow to prepare for egg implantation. If the bitch is not successfully mated, the uterine lining usually breaks down again. The hormone level, on the other hand, remains high – usually for a period of about one year. two months – which is why some bitches can become false pregnant.
A few weeks after a heat, it can happen that the uterine mucosa does not regenerate, but an unpleasant process takes its course. The hormones of the ovaries get mixed up, whereby too much progesterone continues to be produced.
In our experience, this has three main consequences:
- The local defense of the uterine mucosa is weakened.
- The activity of the uterine musculature is inhibited. In this way, accumulated secretions can no longer be adequately excreted.
- The uterine glands do not rest: because they continue to be stimulated, fluid accumulates in the glands and in the uterus, where harmful bacteria can multiply. As a result, a severe inflammation with pus can develop.
During heat, harmful bacteria have an easier time getting into the uterus.
One reason is that the barrier to the uterus is loosened so that sperm can find their way to the egg. In the uterus, which is well supplied with blood and filled with fluid during heat, bacteria find optimal conditions to multiply. This happens particularly rapidly when the uterus closes again after heat.
Often uterine problems are related to disturbances in the stomach and intestines.
From the point of view of holistic veterinary medicine, the above processes are often accompanied by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. These can weaken the immune system and reduce the force exerted by the spleen on the mucous membrane and muscles of the uterus. As a result, the Qi (= life energy) of the liver and kidneys is blocked, the hormones get confused and the ovaries can no longer regulate properly.
From this perspective, strengthening the gastrointestinal system through gut-healthy feeding according to the 5-E™ nutritional concept can help prevent inflammation of the uterus. If you would like to learn more about an intestine-healthy nutrition with cold-pressed dry fodder, then click you into this councellor.
Diagnosis: How can an inflammation of the uterus be diagnosed??
To find out if your bitch suffers from pyometra, the veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination. With the help of X-rays and an ultrasound, it can get an accurate picture of the enlarged and fluid-filled uterus. For a reliable diagnosis, he will also check your bitch’s blood values.
How is uterine inflammation treated in dogs??
Depending on whether a closed or open uterine inflammation is present, there are different treatment possibilities.
Treatment of a closed uterus suppuration:
If ultrasound or x-ray shows that the cervix is closed and there are larger masses of pus in the uterus, we recommend a speedy operation to remove the uterus and ovaries (i.e., spay). If surgery is not possible (for example, because it is a valuable breeding bitch or the animal is in poor health), it is possible to inject a special medication that opens the uterine orifice and promotes expulsion of the secretion.
Treatment of an open uterus suppuration:
In the case of an open cervix with purulent vaginal discharge, spaying is advised in most cases. In addition, conservative therapy attempts can be made, such as the administration of antibiotics, painkillers, anti-inflammatories or special medications to keep the uterus open.
Complementary holistic therapy methods
Our more than 30 years of experience in holistic veterinary medicine has shown that gentle therapy methods such as the administration of homeopathic preparations (e.g., sepia, acupuncture or laser therapy) can have a positive effect on your dog’s health. B. Pulsatilla, Sepia or Lachesis), acupuncture or electro-acupuncture, but also laser therapy can bring health benefits to your bitch.
5-E™ vital substance strategy for the prophylaxis of uterine problems.
According to our observations, uterine inflammation in dogs is often accompanied by disorders of the gastrointestinal system. To prevent these and to permanently strengthen the digestive system of your pet, Das Gesunde Tier offers a variety of gut-healthy foods and vital substances.
- During heat, the bitch’s body is usually under stress. To relax her and promote her balance, we recommend the administration of Antistress Direkt DOG tablets.
- In order to strengthen the intestinal flora and the digestive system of your bitch in the long term, we recommend that you give her an intestinal treatment for dogs at least twice a year. This contains intestinal Dyn as a detoxification aid, salmon hemp oil as an energy supplier and herbal yeast to supply B vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
- To support the immune system, you can also give your dog ImmuDyn. This all-natural preparation contains special yeast stem cells to activate and strengthen your dog’s innate immune defenses.
Still questions? Our nutritionists will help you.
If your dog is in bad shape, of course you want to do everything right to help her. We are here for you and will be happy to advise you on which food products and vital substances support the health and well-being of your pet.
We gals know what’s good for our bodies! With healthy intestinal products from Das Gesunde Tier you can support the well-being of your bitch.
Notice: This guide contains recommendations for supportive measures in case of uterine suppuration. A visit to the veterinarian is essential for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of your bitch!