Pyometra in dogs is a hormonal imbalance of the uterus that causes uterine enlargement and cyst formation. The disease affects female dogs that have not been spayed. Middle-aged to older dogs are the most likely to suffer from pyometra and certain breeds are more predisposed than others. The main cause of pyometra is a hormonal imbalance in the uterus, but it is really the cascade of symptoms and responses to the symptoms that tends to escalate pyometra into a serious and potentially dangerous disease (See Reference 1).
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Predisposed Breeds
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The risk of getting pyometra is significantly higher in these breeds:
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rottweiler
Rough-haired Collie
Cavalier
King Charles Spaniel
Golden Retriever (See Reference 2)
Progesterone
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Overproduction of the hormone progesterone, or the oversensitivity of the uterus to progesterone, causes pyometra. When this occurs, the uterus swells and the uterine lining thickens and form cysts. The cysts release fluids and as the uterus swells, the liquid leaks out of the dog's vagina. Symptoms of pyometra are excessive thirst, frequent urination, low grade fever, and a white fluid discharge from the vagina (See Reference 2).
Bacterial Infection
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A dog with pyometra will often try to clean the liquid off of herself by licking it. This in turn introduces bacteria into the area and the bacteria will then enter through the cervix and infect the uterus. The cervix will then close, keeping the liquid in the body and possibly causing the rupture of the uterus and death. Even if the uterus does not rupture, pyometra can cause death by kidney failure (See Reference 1).
Prevention
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Spaying before six months of age is the best way to prevent pyometra. If you are going to breed your dog, immediately have your dog spayed after she is past her breeding years (See Reference 1).
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