What is Pyometra? 

The term Pyometra refers to an infection of the female reproductive tract. It classically occurs in middle-aged, entire female dogs and occasionally in cats.

It can occur at any stage of their cycle, is not dependent on whether they’ve had pups or kittens before and can quickly become life-threatening. The infection causes the equivalent of ‘toxic shock syndrome’ and leads to vomiting, depression, excessive thirst and a thick vulval discharge. Treatment is possible with emergency surgery, antibiotics and intra-venous fluids and has a high rate of success. Prevention is better, however, with early desexing.

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