Pyometra

Canine pyometra is a common disease in countries where routine spaying of young dogs is not common practice. This disease is known to lead to systemic inflammation potentially affecting multiple organs in the body, including the heart.

Two Forms of Pyometra

This infection of the uterus has two forms. In the first form, open pyometra, the cervix is open, and the smelly vaginal discharge is the most obvious sign. In the second variety, closed pyometra, there is no vaginal discharge, making diagnosis more difficult. Of the two, the closed pyometra is more serious, since dogs become toxic from the unreleased urine contents and may develop substantial kidney damage.

Signs of Pyometra

Early on, before any discharge becomes apparent, the signs of pyometra mimic those of many other ailments, including poor appetite, vomiting and increased thirst, and even toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Once diagnosed via laboratory testing and possibly X-rays and ultrasound, typically the dog's uterus and ovaries will be surgically removed because the safest and most effective treatment for canine pyometra is ovariohysterectomy.

Anesthesia and surgery may cause serious heart complications with subsequent myocardial cell damage, especially in dogs with systemic inflammation and impaired circulation. Thus, heart muscle injury is a potential cause of increased mortality in dogs with pyometra before, during and after surgery.

Breeds at Risk

According to a study performed on over 200,000 dogs by Swedish researchers, the occurrence of pyometra differs with age, breed, and geographic location. The risk of developing pyometra is increased in rough Collies, Rottweilers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dog, and English Cocker Spaniels. Breeds with a low risk of developing the disease are German Shepherd dog and Miniature Dachshunds.

References

1. Concentrations of cardiac Troponin I before and after ovariohysterectomy in 46 female dogs with pyometra. Lena Pelander, Ragnvi Hagman and Jens Häggström
2. Caring for Your Aging Dog By Janice Borzendowski
3. Breed risk of pyometra in insured dogs in Sweden. Egenvall A, Hagman R, Bonnett BN, Hedhammar A, Olson P, Lagerstedt AS.

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