The reason being is because I almost lost my Chihuahua to it today. If I had not gotten her into the Emergency Vet. Clinic today when I did instead of waiting 5 days until when my Vet could get her in she would have died on me. This makes me mad that my Vet wouldn't get her in under emergency circumstances because they were too full as they put it. But I am blessed by the Lord that she is doing fine now after surgery and resting comfortably. She should be home in a couple days.
I do however plan to call my Vet first thing Monday morning and let him know that if I had let her go the 5 days that she would have been dead thanks to him and that I will no longer be bringing my pets to him.
That they deserve a Vet that cares about them as much as I do. Not about filling the appointment book and making sure he gets his money for the day.
This is Punkin (chihuahua) & Mr. Man (bichon)
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_pyometra.html
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WHAT IS A PYOMETRA?
The word “pyometra†is derived from Latin “pyo†meaning pus and “metra†meaning uterus. The pyometra is an abscessed, pus-filled infected uterus. Toxins and bacteria leak across the uterine walls and into the bloodstream causing life-threatening toxic effects, Without treatment death is inevitable.
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WHAT MIGHT MAKE THE VET SUSPECT THIS INFECTION?
Classically, the patient is an older female dog. (Pyometra can occur in the cat but its not nearly as common.) Usually, she has finished a heat cycle in the previousl 1-2 months. She has a poor appetite and may be vomiting or drinking an excessive amount of water. In the more usual “open pyometra†the cervix is open and the purulent uterine contents is able to drip out thus a smelly vaginal discharge is usually apparent.
There is also a form of pyometra called a “closed pyometra†where the cervix is closed. In these cases, there is no vaginal discharge and the clinical presentation is more difficult to diagnose. These patients also tend to be sicker than those with open pyometra due to retention of the toxic uterine contents.
Lab work shows a pattern typical of widespread infection which is often helpful in narrowing down the diagnosis. Radiographs may show a gigantic distended uterus though sometimes this is not obvious and ultrasound is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
HOW DOES THIS INFECTION COME ABOUT?
With each heat cycle, the uterine lining engorges in preparation for pregnancy. Eventually, some tissue engorgement becomes excessive or persistent (a condition called “cystic endometrial hyperplasiaâ€). This lush glandular tissue is ripe for infectionf (recall that while thei inside of the uterus is sterile, the vagina below is normally loaded with bacteria.). Bacteria ascend from the vagina and the uterus becomes infected and ultimately pus filled.
WHAT IS THE USUAL TREATMENT?
The usual treatment for pyometra is surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. It is crucial that the infected uterine contents do not spill and that no excess hemorrhage occurs. The surgery is challenging especially if the patient is toxic. Antibiotics are given at the time of surgery and may or may not be continued after the uterus is removed. Pain relievers are often needed post-operatively. A few days of hospitalization are typically needed after the surgery is performed.
It is especially important that the ovaries be removed to remove future hormonal influence from any small stumps of uterus that might be left behind. If any ovary is left, the patient will continue to experience heat cycles and be vulnerable to recurrence.
While this surgery amounts to the same end result as routine spaying, there is nothing routine about a pyometra spay. As noted, the surgery is challenging and the patient is in a life-threatening situation. For these reasons, the pyometra spay typically costs five to ten times as much as a routine spay.
PROS:
The infected uterus is resolved rapidly (in an hour or two of surgery). No possibility of disease recurrence.
CONS:
Surgery must be performed on a patient that could be unstable.
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO SURGERY?
In the late 1980’s another treatment protocol became available that might be able to spare a valuable animal’s reproductive capacity. Here, special hormones called “prostaglandins†are given as injections to cause the uterus to contract and expel its pus. A week or so of hospitalization is necessary and some cramping discomfort is often experienced. The treatment takes place over the course of a week. This form of treatment is not an option in the event of a “closed†pyometra as described above.
PROS:
There is a possibilityof future pregnancy for the patient (though often there is too much uterine scarring). Surgery can be avoided in a patient with concurrent problems that pose extra anesthetic risk
CONS:
Pyometra can recur. The disease is resolved more slowly (over a week or so). There is a possibility of uterine rupture with the contractions. This would cause peritonitis and escalates the life-threatening nature of the disease.
PREVENTION
Spaying represents complete prevention for this condition. Spaying cannot be over-emphasized. Often an owner plans to breed their pet or is undecided, time passes, and then they fear she is too old to be spayed. The female dog or cat can benefit from spaying at any age. The best approach is to figure that pyometra will eventually occur if the female pet is left unspayed; any perceived risks of surgery are very much out-weighed by the risk of pyometra.So PLEASE make sure you spay your female pets be they a dog or cat because it can happen in both. Beside spaying will help with their health and help them to live longer. They are our children and we love them so why not take care of them and do what is needed to keep them healthy. There are many places that will defray the cost if you just ask. Or do a search for low cost spaying in your area. It is just as important to take care of your male pets also.
OR
go here to get a certificate for low-cost spaying or altering in your area.
Spay and Neuter Certificate Information
From its beginning in 1957, FoA has assumed a leadership role in advocating low-cost spaying and altering as the most effective means of preventing the births of unwanted dogs and cats, and their subsequent abandonment, suffering and mass killing. For more than four decades, we have operated the only nationwide breeding control program in the United States facilitating more than 2 million spay/neuter procedures.
Pet owners may purchase a certificate from Friends of Animals that can be used for a routine spay or neuter surgery at any of FoA’s participating veterinary hospitals.
Spaying and Neutering Certificates may be purchased on-line.(http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/index.html) Or to order by mail call 1-800-321-PETS (1-800-321-7387) and request an application
God Bless and have a good long life with your pet,Christina
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