Pyometra is a serious, life-threatening infection in which the uterus fills with pus. It is one of the most common emergencies in unspayed female dogs — up to 25% of unspayed females develop pyometra before 10 years of age. The condition usually requires emergency surgery. Recognizing the symptoms can save your pet's life.
Symptoms — Recognize Them Early
Pyometra typically develops 2–8 weeks after the heat cycle. In open pyometra, purulent, often foul-smelling discharge drains from the cervix — this is the clearest sign. In closed pyometra, no discharge comes out, making the condition particularly dangerous as symptoms are more vague. Other symptoms include: increased drinking and urination, loss of appetite, fatigue and lethargy, vomiting, distended or painful abdomen, and fever (or hypothermia in severe cases). If an unspayed female is tired and drinking excessively after her heat — seek veterinary care immediately.
Why Is Pyometra Life-Threatening?
In closed pyometra, bacteria and toxins are absorbed from the uterus into the bloodstream, causing sepsis (blood poisoning). This can lead to kidney failure, peritonitis, blood clotting disorders (DIC) and multi-organ failure. Untreated pyometra is almost always fatal. The uterus can also rupture, causing pus to leak into the abdominal cavity.
Treatment — Surgery Is the Only Option
The only treatment for pyometra is ovariohysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries), essentially spaying. Surgery is performed urgently, often on the same day. Before surgery, the patient is stabilized with fluid therapy and intravenous antibiotics are started. The surgery removes both the infected uterus and the ovaries, preventing recurrence. Medical treatment is not recommended as the disease recurs in up to 75% of cases. With surgical treatment, the prognosis is good — over 90% of patients recover.
Prevention
The most effective prevention is spaying. If the dog is not used for breeding, we recommend spaying — it eliminates the risk of pyometra entirely. In cats, pyometra is rarer but possible, and the symptoms are similar. If you are planning to spay your pet or notice symptoms of pyometra, contact our clinic.