Pyometra in Dogs

Breeds documented
18
Published sources
5

Overview

A bacterial infection can cause the uterus to fill with pus after a heat cycle. Called pyometra, this illness mainly affects unspayed females and can become life-threatening. Discharge may escape through an open cervix, the entrance to the uterus. When that entrance is closed, there may be no discharge even as the infection worsens. Bacterial toxins can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illness throughout the body.

Signs to watch for

  • Cream-colored or bloody vaginal discharge.
  • Eating less and seeming unusually tired.
  • Drinking and urinating more than usual.
  • Vomiting.
  • A swollen or painful belly.
  • Weakness or collapse.

It is more common in middle-aged and older unspayed females, often after a recent heat cycle.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog has vaginal discharge and seems unwell.

Diagnosis and tests

The vet asks about the most recent heat cycle and examines the dog for discharge and signs of illness. Ultrasound or X-rays can reveal an enlarged uterus containing fluid. Blood and urine tests help assess the illness, and the vet may also examine cells from vaginal discharge.

Breeds with documented risk

18 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Toy
  • 2 Small
  • 5 Medium
  • 3 Large
  • 7 Giant

Most popular breeds on this list

All 18 breeds, A to Z

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. merckvetmanual.com
  2. vet.cornell.edu
  3. Bernese Mountain Dog: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Bouvier Des Flandres: mobile.wendyblount.com
  5. Bullmastiff: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov