Metritis, also known as pyometra - pyometra in female dog

 Metritis, also known as pyometra - pyometra in female dog

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.

achraf ben ammar

About the blogger: An expert in breeding and training dogs. He obtained his certificate in this specialty in 2012 from the Military School. He developed his field from the specialty of dogs to an expert in raising pets in general.

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