What is
pyometra?
Pyometra (pus filled uterus) is a serious & life
threatening infection of the uterus. It can occur in any entire
female.
What are the
symptoms of pyometra in cats?
Pyometra usually
appears 6 - 8 weeks after the queen goes out of heat. It is a
life threatening infection & requires immediate veterinary
attention. Pyometra may come on quickly, or take several months
to fully develop.
There are two
types of pyometra, open & closed.
-
Open pyometra: The
cervix is open, and pus drains out of the vagina. This is
often cream, pink or brown in colour, and has an offensive
odour.
-
Closed
pyometra: As the uterus is closed, pus is unable to drain
from the vagina & therefore collects in the uterus.
It is important to
note that all cases of pyometra are medical emergencies, but
closed pyometra is far more dangerous & life threatening.
Both forms of pyometra require immediate veterinary attention.
Pyometra can lead to organ damage & septicaemia.
As
well as the possible discharge from the vagina, your cat may
display some or all of the below symptoms:
-
Anorexia (loss of
appetite).
-
Weight loss.
-
Lethargy.
-
Normal, increased
or decreased body temperature.
-
Polydipsia
(excessive thirst)
-
Polyuria
(excessive urination)
-
Distended
abdomen.
-
Dehydration.
-
Elevated white
blood cell count.
How is pyometra
diagnosed?
Your veterinarian
will perform a physical examination of your cat & ask for a
medical history such as when her last heat cycle was. He may
observe the discharge of pus from the vagina, and be able to
feel the enlarged uterus. This can be confirmed by ultrasound or
x-ray.
How is pyometra
treated?
-
If the queen is not required for breeding purposes then an
ovariohysterectomy (desexing/spaying) is the best option.
-
Antibiotics to control the infection.
-
IV fluids to treat dehydration.
-
If the cat is required for breeding, prostaglandin treatment
will be used. This causes contraction of the uterus & the
cervix to relax, which assists in evacuation of the pus. There
may be side effects from the prostaglandin such as vomiting, diarrhoea,
restlessness, panting, shock.
-
The pus may be cultured, and the queen will be placed on the
appropriate antibiotics to treat the infection.
There is a chance that treatment will not be successful, and for
pyometra to reoccur in cats treated for pyometra but not
spayed.
References:
[1]
The Cornell Book of Cats, [2] Cat Owner's Home Veterinary
Handbook - Delbert G. Carlson, D.V.M. & James M. Giffin, M.D.
