Definition: Accumulation of pus in the uterus is named pyometra.This can be very dangerous and life-threatening if the owner doesn’t attention to this problem.

Anatomy of uterus :

Outside part is vulva and immediately after that vagina is situated.Vagina is continued by cervix and this part is connected to body of uterus.Body as is elongated is divided in two uterine horns. Uterine horns are connected to ovaries by  fallopian tubes.There are so many pictures of female dog genitalia in google search with these details.

How pyometra occurs:

After heat the uterus is affected by progesterone for  more than two months.Progesterone prevents from uterine contraction.On the other hand this hormone stimulates special glands of the uterus  to secrete more and more.This condition provokes bacterial growth to shape pyometra.

Symptoms:

Anorexia, willing to drink so much water, panting, high temperature, sometimes vaginal secretion and even septic shock due to bacterial toxins.

Diagnosis:

It is on the basis of history, clinical signs and radiography or sonography.Blood test shows the severity of pyometra. Severity  depends on the amount of pus and the duration of this problem. Because  bacterial toxin can be absorbed and even accumulation of so much pus in the uterus horns can cause rupture of the uterus and infection of the abdominal cavity.

Treatment:

Ovariohysterectomy or spay is the best  choice of treatment .But it depends on the severity of the pyometra , supportive treatment like fluid and antibiotic therapy can be applied before or after surgery by your veterinarian.Also in some mild and open pyometra ( pyometra with vaginal secretion ) treatment with special medication without surgery is done.