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.