Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pyometra in Small Animals 3.0.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2023
- Authors:
- Hagman, Ragnvi
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences
Plain-English summary
Pyometra is a serious infection of the uterus that commonly affects unspayed female dogs (bitches) and cats (queens), especially those that are middle-aged or older. It usually shows up within four months after their heat cycle. This condition can lead to serious complications like abdominal infections and severe body reactions, which can make pets very sick. For some pets at high risk of problems from spaying or those without a uterine infection, a surgery that removes just the uterus (hysterectomy) might be an option, but we still need more research to ensure it's safe for treating pyometra.
Abstract
Pyometra is a common disease in intact bitches and queens and occurs, although less frequently, in most other female pets. In bitches and queens, the illness is generally diagnosed within 4 months after estrus, in middle-aged to older individuals. Complications such as peritonitis, endotoxemia, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome are not uncommon and associated with more severe illness. Ovary-sparing surgical options such as hysterectomy could be considered in individuals with high-risk for detrimental side effects of spaying or without infection of the uterus but has not yet been evaluated for safety in pyometra.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37270345/