What Is the Likelihood That an Unspayed Dog Will Develop Pyometra?

The likelihood that an unspayed female dog will develop pyometra is high, according to the International Veterinary Information Service. Pyometra is a serious condition characterized by inflammation and drainage within the uterus of an intact female dog. Its name comes from the Greek "pyo," for pus, and "metra," for uterus. When an intact female dog has pyometra she will exhibit certain signs and symptoms including fever, lethargy, depression, anorexia, vomiting and excessive thirst and urination. Then again, some dogs exhibit no signs at all.

  1. Intact Females

    • Veterinarians universally recommend a female dog who is not a show dog be spayed. Intact dogs are more likely to become victims of uterine, cervical and mammary cancers than dogs that are sterilized. In addition to cancer, an intact female dog may develop pyometra. If you want to be absolutely sure your dog will never have pyometra, have her spayed.

    Incidences of Pyometra

    • The risk of pyometra rises as the dog ages beginning from about age 4.

      According to the IVIS, pyometra is a common disease. Nulliparous bitches (female dogs who have never had puppies) and those over the age of 4 are most at risk of pyometra. In a 2004 Swedish study, 23.24 percent of all female dogs developed the disease before they reached the age of 10. Pyometra is serious because it produces bacteria and other toxins which invade the bloodstream. These toxins are life-threatening and death is inevitable if pyometra is not treated.

    Predisposition

    • The veterinarian will usually recommend a spay surgery to prevent pyometra.

      Some breeds of dog are more prone to pyometra than others. These breeds include the Bernese mountain dog, Rottweiler, rough-coated collie, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the golden retriever, according to IVIS. These are not the only breeds that suffer from pyometra, however. All breeds can be susceptible to the disease. The average age of dogs showing symptoms was about 9 years of age. Furthermore, the risk of recurrence after treatment is high.

    Prevention and Treatment Options

    • Since pyometra is a disease of the uterus, spaying, during which the uterus is completely removed, dismisses the risk of pyometra. If a dog is not fit to be breed, spaying is the most common and easiest way to avoid pyometra. Spaying also treats pyometra and in some cases pyometra is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention. Other medical treatments include the use of certain progesterone antagonists and prostaglandin as well as a broad-spectrum antibiotic.