Pyometra - The Benefits of Desexing Your Female
Pyometra is a hormonally triggered condition, in which the lining of the uterus is found to be abnormal and associated with a secondary bacterial infection.
We felt compelled to write up a brief article on this condition as recently one of our girls was diagnosed with this terrible condition, thankfully her owners, gave her the best veterinary care available, she was desexed and is now well on her way to recovery. It is definitely something to look out for in your females, particularly in the later stages of their season, and particularly but not always in their second season.
Cause:
Triggers for pyometra include the administration of sex hormones specifically estrogens to mismated females, and postinsemination or postintercourse infections. Hormones produced during the later part of the females cycle, namely progesterone, encourages the uterus to increase secretions and promotes myometrial growth (growth of the lining in the uterus), however at the same time progesterone also results in reduced contractions/activity of the uterus. Therefore the natural cycle, creates an environment in which bacteria can flourish. Furthermore the hormone progesterone can also inhibit the action of the immune system, by inhibiting the response of white blood cells (the cells that fight infection).
The bacteria flourishing in the uterus was likely transferred from the normal flora of the vagina or urinary tract infections.
For those interested or who have a knowledge of microbiology, the likely culprits present at the infection site include:
E.Coli ( most common), Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pesudonomas, Proteus sp.
The other main hormone in the female’s cycle, estrogen, doesn’t play a direct role in pyometra, however it does potentiate the effects of progesterone on the uterus (reduced contractions, thickening and secretion of mucus). Therefore, injections of estrogen, to prevent pregnancy greatly increases the risk of developing pyometra and are not encouraged.
Signs:
Signs are usually present 4-8 weeks after the female’s season. Symptoms include:
- Lethary
- Anorexia
- Polyuria (frequent urination)
- Polydipsia (thrist)
- Vomiting
- Smelly,possibly green discharge from the cervix (vagina) may contain Blood.
Beware the disease progresses quickly, and can result in shock and death.
Treatment:
Removal of the uterus (desexing) is the preferred option, however antibiotics may be used if the female’s reproductive ability wishes to be maintained.
Fluids (intravenous) are administered and bacterial antibiotics (for 7-10 days after surgery).
There are drugs (prostaglandins) they may be used to encourage the contraction of the uterus, relaxation of the cervix and as a result seceretion of the pussy exudate, however this form of treatment is insufficient in the severely ill animal.
The animal should be examined 2 weeks after surgery. Females with treated for pyometra, but not desexed, are likely to have a reoccurence of the condition in the their next season, with studies reporting a 70% chance of reoccurence within 2 years.