History: Dog presented with a history of increasing lethargy, depression, and anorexia for approximately48 hours; it was unknown when the dog had her last estrus cycle (suspected to have been within the past 2 to 6 weeks). Dog is not pregnant presently.
Clinical Exam: Patient lethargic and very depressed with a obviously distended abdomen; rectal temperature was 100.1° F; no vaginal discharge noted around vulva.
Diagnostic Findings: CBC results included 75000 white blood cell count. Abdominal radiographs revealed the presence of a large multilobular abdominal mass.
Diagnosis: Closed Pyometra (Closed = cervix not open, drainage of discharge from uterus not possible; Open = cervix open, allowing discharge to drain from uterus)
Treatment: Pre-operative stabilization, general anesthesia, ovariohysterectomy, 24-hour post-operative hospitalization, released patient with prescription antibiotics and pain medication.
Patient Recommendations: Exercise restriction, monitor appetite and behavior. If not intended for breeding purposes, bitch should be spayed before their first heat cycle; if used for breeding, bitch should be spayed after final litter is whelped.
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Examples of Vaginal Discharge from Open Pyometra
Client Education:
Pyometra: Pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus, is a well-recognized disease of female dogs. Pyometra often results from the animal's own bacteria within the genital tract. Escherichia coli is the most common bacteria identified in pyometra. Whenever levels of the reproductive hormone progesterone rise, the uterine lining becomes susceptible to bacterial infection.
Dogs with pyometra commonly have a vaginal discharge, fever, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. Affected dogs are often dehydrated; some may drink and urinate excessively. Some dogs will appear asymptomatic until after vaginal discharge begins. Others will go into shock. Laboratory tests often show dehydration-related abnormalities of electrolyte balance and kidney function. Changes in the white blood cell count are common. Most patients are diagnosed using history, clinical signs, physical examination, and abdominal x-rays. Pyometra requires prompt treatment. Antibiotics to fight the infection, and intravenous fluids to correct dehydration-related abnormalities, are routinely administered. Supportive therapy is given to correct other organ system dysfunction and to stabilize the patient. Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries is the preferred treatment.