Why did Daisy develop Pyometra?
Pyometra is a very common disease of older bitches who have not been neutered.
- Unlike human women, bitches do not have a menopause. If they are not speyed, they will carry on having seasons throughout their life.
- In older bitches, who have had many seasons in their lifetime, continual exposure to high levels of sex hormones causes the lining of the uterus to become swollen and develop cysts (cystic endometrial hyperplasia).
- During a season, the cervix opens, which can allow bacteria to enter the uterus. The swollen lining of the uterus provides a perfect place for bacteria to multiply, which they do very rapidly.
- The body responds by releasing white blood cells into the uterus to fight the infection. This mixture of dead and living bacteria and white blood cells forms pus.
- Before long, the uterus is full pus. Sometimes this is released as a smelly vaginal discharge, but in Daisy’s case it remained within the uterus, causing it to become swollen.
- Bacteria and bacterial toxins leak into the blood stream and the abdominal cavity, causing septicaemia (blood poisoning), peritonitis (infection of the internal organs), organ failure, and if not treated, can cause death.
Should I spey my bitch?
If you do not wish to breed from your bitch, it is sensible to consider having her speyed. The operation, when carried out in a young healthy animal, carries a very low surgical risk, and has many advantages:
- Prevents pyometra
- Prevents unwanted pregnancy
- Prevents escaping or wandering while in season
- Reduces the risk of mammary adenocarcinoma (malignant breast cancer)
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