If your dog isn’t spayed, this is something you need to know!

One in four unspayed dogs will develop a life-threatening uterine infection. Let’s talk about pyometras.

A pyometra is a serious infection of the uterus that occurs in un-spayed dogs and cats—and apparently even chinchillas, because I read about a case last week!

About 25% of unspayed dogs will develop a pyometra, making it the most common reproductive disease in dogs. So here’s why it happens: after a heat cycle, progesterone levels are high, and the immune system is temporarily suppressed or put on pause because the body is preparing for pregnancy. That makes it easier for bacteria—usually E. coli from the dog’s own gut—to travel into the uterus and cause a severe infection.

Now, there are two types of pyometras:

• Open pyometra – you may see vaginal discharge.
• Closed pyometra – where there’s no discharge, but the abdomen can be distended which makes this one even more dangerous.

In both cases, common signs include:

– Drinking and peeing more than normal
– Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
– Lethargy or depression

If you suspect a pyometra, this is a medical emergency. Treatment requires emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus.

But there’s good news! Pyometras are 100% preventable by spaying your pet before the age of 2. No ovaries means no heat cycles, and no uterus means no uterine infection. Win, win!

Follow our social media pages for more Vet Tech Tips, and next week we’re talking about vomiting cats. Bye! 👋