Pyo – dervied from Latin meaning pus. Metra – derived from Latin meaning uterus.
In its more complicated form pyometra is a term that all owners of intact female dogs need to know. After every cycle the thought needs to be there, to be watchful of, to be mindful of.
As many of you are aware Zoey underwent an emergency spay due to pyometra on Tuesday. The pictures were taken by our amazing Veterinarian during her surgery. They are graphic, but they are real.
If you own an intact female dog, you need to educate yourself regarding the signs and symptoms of pyometra. It is an emergency situation that will lead to the death of your bitch if not treated immediately.
Sunday
6:00pm – Zoey scarfed her dinner.
8:00pm – Someone peed in the house.
Monday
2:00am – Zo wanted out to pee. (red flag #1)
4:15am – Both dogs up, and wanting out. This is somewhat normal at our house. My little hunter has a preference for the early morning hours.
7:30am – Zoey refuses her morning cookie. (red flag #2)
8:00am – Zoey refuses breakfast. (red flag #3)
At this point I am concerned but hopeful. Being that we had bred Zoey 3 weeks ago, one of the signs of canine pregnancy is a bitch going off their food.
5:30pm – Return home from school. Zoey was quiet most of the day.
Let dogs out, Zo has diarrhea. Clean her up, and notice brownish discharge. *FREAK*
Take her temperature. 39.5 C, fever. *FREAK* Call my Vet.
6:15pm – Zoey’s ultrasound shows that she has pyometra. Emergency spay scheduled for the morning.
9:oopm – Zoey is extremely lethargic, and feverish. Her discharge has increased. She is a *very* sick dog.
Tuesday
6:00am– Zoey is a mess in the morning. Her hind is covered in disgusting reddish brown discharge. She has trouble walking, and doesn’t want to move. She is extremely feverish, and gravely ill.
12:00pm – Zoey is awake and recovering from her surgery.
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst and urine production
- Loss of appetite
- Possible discharge
- Possible fever
- Symptoms can vary a lot between girls
- Medical therapy available for younger bitches
- Ovariohysterectomy traditional treatment form
Have you ever had an emergency with your dog? What did you do?
Resources
- Pyometra – Dr. Daniel A. Degner, Board-certified Veterinary Surgeon (DACVS)
- Canine Pyometra – New Approaches to an Old Disease, Madeleine Hubler, Dr. med. vet.,DECAR, Clinic for Reproductive Medicine Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich
- Canine Pyometra – Pathogenesis, Therapy and Clinical Cases, Prof. Stefano Romagnoli, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ECAR
- Canine Pyometra – Seattle Veterinary Services
This winter Rylie ate an advil that my husband had dropped. He wasn't sure which dog ate it so both dogs got to vomit. Blood tests a couple of days later showed Rylie's kidney levels were elevated (even the vet was surprised since he had vomited quite quickly). A week later they were back to normal so thee was no lasting damage.
omg! What a scary ordeal. I'm glad she's doing OK – thanks for sharing this post. Poor Zoey .. I am sorry things did not work out the way you had hoped.. *hugZ* Thinking about you guys! *sara*
You can have my cookie's as long as you feel better X X X
lots of luv AMIE SOTO BLOSSOM…