Metritis, also known as pyometra - pyometra in female dog
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Metritis, also known as pyometra, is a serious uterine infection that can occur in unspayed female dogs in the majority of cases. This disorder can quickly endanger the life of the animal, so it is important to know how to recognize the symptoms to act as quickly as possible. Let's take a look at this condition, its possible causes, and the treatments available.
Metritis Symptoms
Metritis is a utero-genital disease whose symptoms usually appear a
few weeks after the bitch is in heat. The first warning sign is the
secretion of pus, brownish in color, at the level of the vulva. The
female dog licks herself thoroughly to relieve the mucous membrane,
which is then very irritated. The next stage will undoubtedly be the
aggravation of the infection which, if left untreated, will lead to an
accumulation of pus inside the uterus because the female dog is no
longer able to eliminate the secretions produced by the glands. of the
uterine wall.
There are actually two types of pyometra:
The open neck pyometra
It is more precisely this affection that is called metritis. In this
case, the cervix is open and it is possible to observe the discharge
of pus from the vulva. These can be of variable color and sometimes
accompanied by blood, which may initially suggest that the female dog
is in heat. This is why it is important to note when the female dog's
last cycle dates back to: if such discharges occur shortly after heat,
there is a risk of metritis. It is then imperative to make a
veterinary diagnosis.
The closed neck pyometra
In this case, the infection is unfortunately complicated to detect
since the discharge will not be visible. However, other symptoms can
give you a hint, similar to those of open-necked metritis: the female
dog licks herself, seems dejected, and sometimes loses her appetite.
On the other hand, thirst can be increased and she will then drink and
urinate a lot. Diarrhea and vomiting may occur and the vulva is red
and swollen as in hot weather. It happens to observe swelling of the
abdomen.
What are the causes of metritis?
Metritis is a disorder of hormonal origin, the first cause of which
is the administration of the canine contraceptive pill. This is why
only whole female dogs (not neutered) are affected. Other hormonal
treatments, those intended in particular to interrupt the heat, as
well as abortion can be the cause of the pyometra. It is therefore
necessary at all costs to avoid wanting to stop the heat of the female
dog with medication, putting her at great risk. The most logical and
reasonable solution is sterilization if you want to avoid heat.
Aggravating factors
The female dog's age (generally over 6 years old) and hormonal
treatments are the two main aggravating factors for metritis. If the
animal undergoes repeated heat treatments, the condition may occur at
any time. If metritis is not treated, the female dog's state of health
can rapidly deteriorate to the point of coma. Ultimately, pyometra is
a fatal disease that will cause the animal to suffer excessively
throughout the infection.
Metritis surgery
The treatments available differ depending on the time of diagnosis.
The later metritis is detected, the less effective the medication will
be and only surgery can put an end to it. This consists of total
removal of the reproductive system (ovaries and uterus). It is the
treatment "of choice" because it is radical but the operation is
cumbersome and costly.
To increase the female dog's chances of survival, the intervention
must be carried out as soon as possible, but it should be noted that
anesthesia presents a risk to the already weakened animal.
Convalescence may take several days to several weeks, and the female
dog will often have to remain under observation or even in a state of
hospitalization at the veterinarian.
Medical treatment of metritis
If you do not opt for the operation, note that drug treatment often
proves to be ineffective: these are heavy antibiotics whose results
can be disappointing because they do not eliminate the risk of
recurrence in the next heat. (70% risk if the uterus is preserved).
This treatment is generally accompanied by hormonal injections and/or
drugs intended to open the cervix to facilitate "emptying" and thus
avoid rupture of the uterus and the complications that result from it:
peritonitis and sepsis. especially if the germs pass into the
blood.
Surgical intervention is therefore strongly recommended, as well as
preventive sterilization. This will also have the merit of limiting
the risk of mammary tumors and nervous pregnancies, common disorders
in whole female dogs after a certain age.
Tags:
Dogs Health