Pyometra or Pyrometra?

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians everywhere preach to all their clients about the benefits of spaying and neutering their pets.  Surgical sterilization not only aids in decreasing the number of dogs and cats seen in shelters (millions of them!), but also leads to a healthier pet and is financially more economical for the pet owner.

This week we have seen two cases with illnesses that could have been prevented by spaying/neutering and whose illnesses where cured by spaying and neutering but not without a healthy price to resolve.

Today, I am going to discuss one of these two cases, a small Chihuahua, 10 years old, with the complaint of a foul smelling vaginal discharge, not eating well and depressed.  Based on history of a heat 60 days prior, physical examination and radiographs, our patient was diagnosed with a pyometra.  Our client asks, "What is a pyrometra?" I smiled.  A pyrometra would mean "fire" (pyro) and 'metra' (uterus).  But in this case we have a 'pyo' (pus) 'metra'.  I think I like the pyrometra terminology my client used, because while the uterus was pus filled,  I would imagine it was also on fire!

Pyometra is a result of hormonal and structural changes in the uterus, most commonly seen in older females and following a heat cycle.  During her heat cycle the cervix is open and this allows for bacteria to migrate from the vaginal tract into the uterus. If the cervix remains open, the pet is not as sick as when the cervix is closed.  Signs of pyometra may include dehydration, lethargy, anorexia, sepsis and shock.  A pyometra is considered an emergency.  Spaying is the only effective way to treat a pyometra.

Stablization of your dog with intravenous fluids and antibiotics should precede the surgical spay.  Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) completely and promptly removes the infection, prevents uterine rupture and peritonitis, and of course prevents recurrence.  Dogs usually recover quickly.  Rare instances of 'stump' infection can occur however.

Pyometra

Spaying a dog with pyometra is more expensive than a normal spay.  As the saying goes, a pound of prevention is worth a ton of cure.  Spay now to prevent the occurence of "pryometra", along with decreasing the incidences of mammary tumors and the overburden of dogs in shelters.