White, yellow, green, or clear discharge from the vagina Excessive licking of the vagina Increased thirst Decreased appetite Swollen or painful abdomen Change in behavior Lethargy Vomiting Fever
Open cervix pyometra occurs means that the cervix of the dog is open. Pus will drain from the uterus out through the dog’s vagina. While still potentially life threatening, open pyometra is less complicated to treat. In closed cervix pyometra, the cervix becomes sealed off, and pus builds up in the dog’s uterus. It is essential to perform surgery soon to prevent the uterus from rupturing. Closed pyometra is more of an immediate medical emergency than open pyometra. That said, your vet will likely want to act quickly regardless.
Fluids may be given when your dog first visits the vet or right before surgery. In more severe cases, dogs may need IV treatment for longer.
Usually, the medication will come in pill form. Try hiding the medication in food or a treat to encourage your dog to swallow it. If your dog was hospitalized, your vet will administer the medication. Make sure to give your dog the full course of antibiotics. Do not stop giving your dog its pills because it begins to look better.
Before surgery, the vet will likely shave a patch of your dog’s fur. Don’t worry. It will grow back. During surgery, your vet will give your dog anesthesia. They will open up the dog’s abdomen to reach the womb. At the end of the surgery, your dog will receive stitches to close the wound.
Your vet will likely call you once the surgery is over so that you can check in on your dog.
As with the previous course of antibiotics, make sure to give your dog its pills every day until the course is done.
A cone or pillow collar may be needed to keep your dog from chewing its stitches. Your vet can give you 1 or you can buy it at a pet store. Keep your dog distracted with chew toys and puzzle toys. Avoid tug of war or fetch while the dog heals. Make sure to show your dog lots of love during this time!
Be sure to watch out for any bleeding around the wound while the stitches are still in place. If you notice any bleeding, take your dog back to the vet. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If your dog is unable to eat or urinate after surgery, take it back to the vet to get checked out.
Not all veterinarians are prepared to offer this form of treatment. The dog may not necessarily recover using just medications. Pyometra is likely to return without surgery. In some cases, your vet may want to hospitalize the dog so they can monitor it during in treatment. In other cases, you may be allowed to treat your dog at home. If your dog is severely ill, it may need surgery to survive, especially if it has a closed cervix. A closed cervix could rupture the uterus, causing sepsis and death.
Aglepristone causes the cervix to relax, so there is less risk of uterine rupture than with other medications. This medication should not be used on dogs with liver or kidney problems.
Side effects include restlessness, anxious behavior, panting, excessive drooling, and vomiting. Return to the vet if you notice these signs. This is a good treatment option if you want to continue breeding your dog after treatment. Be aware, however, that it won’t cure late stage pyometra. Prostaglandins aren’t officially approved for use in cats and dogs, which means that your vet might prescribe it “off-label. ” This is legal, but it means that the effects of the drug on your dog are still uncertain.
Some vets may recommend that your dog become pregnant during its next heat to prevent the return of pyometra.
