What is pyometra?
Pyometra is a risky, serious and often life-threatening disease that can lead to septicaemia and endotoxic shock. It is a purulent inflammation of the uterus in which the uterine cavity fills with purulent exudate. It comes in two types: *open pyometra, where the cervix is open and purulent discharge, sometimes mixed with blood, is seen from the vulva; and *closed pyometra, where the cervix is closed and there is no vaginal discharge — the more dangerous variant, because the uterus can rupture once it fills with pus.
The disease occurs most often in middle-aged and older dogs and cats, but can also affect very young animals. Symptoms start developing 1–2 months after a heat, or after the use of heat-suppression medication.
Causes: hormonal and bacterial factors, and the use of heat-suppression products.