What Is Pyometra in Dogs? Symptoms & Prevention | Townsgate
If your female dog is not spayed, there’s a condition you need to know about—pyometra. This life-threatening uterine infection affects middle-aged to older unspayed females and can develop with little warning. At Townsgate Pet Hospital, we’ve seen how quickly this condition can escalate, and we want pet owners to understand the risks and the importance of prevention through timely spaying.
Pyometra typically occurs one to two months after a dog’s heat cycle. Hormonal changes cause the uterine lining to thicken, sometimes leading to cyst formation and bacterial growth. The result is an infection that fills the uterus with pus, causing the organ to swell dramatically.
There are two types of pyometra: open and closed. With open pyometra, pus may drain from the vagina, making the condition more noticeable. You might see discharge, increased thirst, lethargy, or vomiting. In closed pyometra, however, the cervix remains shut, trapping the infection inside. This is far more dangerous because it can lead to rapid toxin absorption, septic shock, and even death.
Many owners don’t realize their pet is sick until the infection is advanced. Pyometra progresses quickly and requires emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus. Without prompt treatment, the prognosis is poor. Even with surgery, the risk of complications is high, particularly in older or weakened pets.
This is why spaying is more than just birth control—it’s a life-saving measure. Spaying removes the uterus and ovaries, eliminating the risk of pyometra entirely. It also prevents uterine and ovarian cancers and greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors when performed at a young age.
At Townsgate Pet Hospital, we perform safe, professional spays using advanced monitoring and pain control techniques. Recovery is generally fast, especially in younger dogs, and the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort of surgery.
If your pet is already showing signs of illness and has not been spayed, don’t wait—call us immediately at (805) 230-1999 or visit us at 2806 Townsgate Road Suite C, Westlake Village, CA 91361. Pyometra is a true emergency, and the sooner we intervene, the better the outcome. If your pet is still healthy and intact, now is the time to talk with us about scheduling a preventive spay.
