Pyometra is a bacterial infection of the progesterone-primed uterus that fills it with pus, usually in a middle-aged intact bitch in the weeks after a heat. Metritis is a different problem: an infection of the recently emptied uterus in the days after whelping. Both can progress to endotoxemia and sepsis, and both are favourite NAVLE scenarios because the history alone (timing relative to estrus or parturition) points you to the diagnosis.
Key facts
Pyometra / metritis at a glance- Species and system: intact female dogs (also cats); reproductive tract, with major systemic effects.
- Cause: progesterone-driven endometrial change plus ascending bacteria, most often Escherichia coli from the bitch's own gut flora.
- Classic presentation: lethargic, anorexic, polyuric and polydipsic intact bitch seen within about 4 months of her last estrus, with or without a purulent vulvar discharge.
- How common: in Swedish insurance data, roughly 1 in 4 intact bitches had pyometra by 10 years of age.
- Metritis: postpartum uterine infection, linked to dystocia, retained fetuses or membranes and obstetric manipulation.
- Treatment of choice: stabilise, then ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Medical treatment is reserved for stable, valuable breeding bitches.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no. Brucella canis must still be considered in any bitch with reproductive tract disease or abortion.
What's inside
13 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Metritis
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 6 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 11 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.