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Pyometra

Pyometra



What is Pyometra? 

Pyometra is a term used to describe an infection of the uterus in an animal. This serious condition affects unsterilised female dogs & cats and can be life threatening! Interestingly, pyometra is actually hormone driven hence creating an optimal condition in the uterus for bacterial infection. After a heat cycle, the hormone progesterone is produced from the ovaries in high amounts to thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for possible pregnancy. During this time, the immune defence system in the uterus is weakened and is susceptible to bacterial infection. In most animals, the body releases a counter hormone to prevent prolonged period of uterine susceptibility. However, in some animals, this period is sustained and an overwhelming bacterial invasion ensues. Over a short period of time, the infection continues to build up and the uterus will begin filling with pus.


Symptoms 

  • Discharge / pus leaking from vagina 
  • Generalised lethargy 
  • Vomiting 
  • Lack of appetite 
  • Increased intake of water 
  • Listlessness


Diagnosis 

Your veterinarian would often carry out various tests once  Pyometra is suspected. Diagnostic imaging usually in the form of  ultrasonography may be performed to visualise abnormally enlarged uterus. Blood tests may also be undertaken to account for the infection. 

Treatment 

Surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries is usually performed (spay). This completely removes the source of the infection. Antibiotics should also be administered to treat possible systemic infection. Furthermore, Intravenous fluid therapy is imperative to replenish fluids as affected animals are often fluid depleted. Medical treatment of Pyometra is available, however surgical intervention is often the most effective and curative.

Prevention 

The best way of preventing pyometra from happening is to spay or sterilise your female pets. Sterilisation is a definite way of preventing Pyometra from happening, along with the other benefits that comes with it!

Pancreatitis in Dogs

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What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs? The pancreas is an internal organ in the abdominal cavity that is located adjacent to the stomach. This important organ is responsible for production and release of enzymes that helps break down food products. Pancreatitis refers to an inflammatory reaction within the pancreas and can happen both suddenly (Acute Pancreatitis) or over a period of time (Chronic Pancreatitis). This potentially debilitating condition occurs when the digestive enzymes are activated too early upon release resulting in inflammation and damage to the pancreas as well as surrounding organs. This condition can happen is cats too! However, it is less common and symptoms may be less obvious than in dogs.

Blocked Cats (Feline Urethral Obstruction)

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What is a blocked cat? The term ‘Blocked cat’ describes a physical obstruction of the cat’s urethra resulting in the inability for successfully urination. This painful condition falls under a wider group of feline abnormalities known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, and usually come in the form of mucoid plugs or urinary crystals. Interestingly, this condition is more common in male cats due to their long and narrow urethra! Furthermore, studies have also shown that urethral blockage occur more often in cats that live indoors and in multi-cat households, suggesting that stress might be a key contributor. If left untreated, blocked cats are a medical emergency. When urine is unable to be excreted, significant tension is placed on the bladder as it continues to strain and stretch in its attempt to contain an increasing amount of urine. When this happens, the bladder wall may rupture internally resulting in leakage of urine in the abdominal cavity. This can most certainly be fatal. Other complications that can happen include severe electrolyte imbalances and life-threatening cardiovascular problems. 
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