Table of Contents
Understanding Pyometra in Dogs and Cats: Causes Symptoms, and Treatment
Commonality: Moderately common in unsterilised females
Transmission: Not Contagious
Impact on Health: High
Symptoms: Unsterilised, Abdominal pain or discomfort, Increased drinking, Increased urination, Lethargy, weakness, Fever, Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Inappetence Vaginal discharge (may not be symptomatic in cats)
Treatment Cost: $ > $1,500 – $4,000+ AUD
Treatment and Recovery Time: 6hrs – 48hrs depending on recovery
Ease of Prevention: Medium
Dog Breeds Most Commonly Affected: Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler, Rough-haired Collie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever; nulliparous or older than 4 years old intact females
Cat Breeds Most Commonly Affected :No specific breed predisposition, unsterilised females above the age of 5 years
Covered By Petsy; Yes, if not a pre-exisiting condition
Table of contents
What Is Pyometra?
For The Non Vets
It is a severe infection of the female reproductive tract leading to the accumulation of pus in the womb. You can liken the wombs/uterus to long balloons (the kind you make balloon sculptures with) and when the pus builds up in there, it swells up like when you fill up the long balloon with water. Eventually, when it gets too big the balloon becomes fragile and can burst any moment. Similarly, in Pyometra, the tract can get distended to a point where it may explode which will then introduce pus and bacteria to the abdomen. This is when it can get really dangerous as it becomes a severe abdominal infection which can be fatal.
The Vets Response
An infection of the uterine horns of the female reproductive tract, producing purulent fluid filled uterine bodies, likely attributable to a combination of hormonal imbalances affecting the uterine environment and exposure to a non-commensal pathogen of urinary or faecal origin. It can be further categorised into being a closed or open pyometra depending on whether the cervix is closed or open.
Importance of Pyometra for Pet Owners
Pyometra if left undealt with, can be a lethal condition and the prevention is as easy as desexing your pet. It is one of the few conditions with a high mortality rate that can be easily prevented. Pyometra can progress rapidly and immediate medical attention and intervention is necessary to stabilise the patient. There is no clear evidence for breed disposition in cats but there is some evidence of dog breeds such as Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler, Rough-haired Collie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever having some predisposition to developing Pyometra. However, Pyometra can develop in any breed and the biggest factor that predisposes it is the unsterilised status of a female cat or dog, with increasing risk at older ages of 4-5 years.The Role of Bacteria in Pyometra…
An ascending infection occurs when bacteria travel up the reproductive tract from the vagina through the to the uterus. Now, usually, the cervix is closed and prevents the bacteria from passing through to the uterus. However, when the cervix is open during heat cycles, breeding, or due to hormonal imbalances, bacteria manages to pass through. In older animals or those with underlying conditions, the cervix may become more permeable, allowing bacteria to enter more easily. Once inside, bacteria can thrive in the uterus, especially if conditions like pyometra or uterine cysts create environments conducive to bacterial growth. Additionally, medical procedures or interventions can introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and contributing to the development of pyometra.
Pyometra Causes in Pets
Unsterilised status Unsterilised pets are at a higher risk of developing pyometra as the reproductive tract is still intact, this allows for the accumulation of bacteria in the uterus, leading to infection. Furthermore, being intact means that they continue to experience heat cycles without pregnancy, making them more susceptible to pyometra. Hormonal changes Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased progesterone levels, are crucial in triggering pyometra in dogs and cats. Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy, causing the uterine lining to thicken if fertilisation doesn’t occur. This thickened lining creates a favourable environment for bacterial growth. Elevated oestrogen levels during heat cycles also make the uterine lining more susceptible to bacterial colonisation. Repeated heat cycles Repeated heat cycles or reproductive disorders can disrupt the normal microbial balance, allowing opportunistic pathogens to infect the uterus. This repeated process heightens the risk of bacterial infection and the development of pyometra. Underlying health issues Underlying health issues like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism can increase the risk of pyometra in dogs and cats by affecting hormone levels or weakening the immune system. Older female pets are also more prone due to age-related changes in their reproductive organs. Previous infections, poor hygiene, and compromised immune defences can hence increase the risk of pyometra. Maintaining good hygiene, especially during heat cycles and after medical procedures, along with regular veterinary check-ups and prompt treatment of reproductive issues, is essential for preventing pyometra and other uterine infections.Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
| Common Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Limping or Lameness | Both dogs and cats may limp or show lameness in one or both hind legs. This can be more noticeable after exercise or physical activity. |
| Decreased Activity | Affected animals may be less active and reluctant to engage in activities that require physical exertion, such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs. |
| Difficulty Rising | Pets may struggle to get up from lying or sitting positions, especially after periods of rest. |
| Stiffness | Stiffness in the hindquarters is common, particularly after exercise or prolonged inactivity. |
| Pain | Signs of pain may include whimpering, yelping, avoiding being touched around the hip area, or changes in behaviour such as irritability or aggression. |
| Muscle Atrophy | Due to decreased use and chronic pain, there may be noticeable muscle loss in the hind limbs. |
Diagnosis Process of Hip Dysplasia
If you suspect your dog or cat has pyometra, it’s crucial to get them evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications like sepsis and organ failure, and they improve the chances of a successful recovery.
Monitoring and Initial Assessment: Keep an eye out for signs like vomiting, lethargy, or increased thirst. If you notice these symptoms, seek veterinary care right away.
Blood Tests: These tests help the vet check the overall health of your pet and see how well their organs are working. They can identify infections and show if the infection is affecting the liver or kidneys.
Imaging: X-rays and ultrasounds are used to diagnose pyometra. X-rays can show if the uterus/womb is enlarged and filled with pus. Ultrasounds provide detailed images to confirm the presence of pus and help determine if the cervix is open or closed. This helps the vet plan the right treatment.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam paired with the diagnostics is always necessary to confirm pyometra and rule out other possible issues. The vet will check for an enlarged, painful uterus and may examine vaginal discharge for signs of pus. They might also test the discharge to identify the bacteria causing the infection, which helps in choosing the right antibiotics.
Treatment Options for Pyometra: Surgical Solution
Surgery is the most common and effective way to treat pyometra in dogs and cats. This procedure, called an ovariohysterectomy or spay surgery, involves removing the infected uterus. It’s especially important for severe cases where the infection has become serious and threatens the pet’s health. The goal of the surgery is to remove the source of infection and prevent it from recurring. Removing the uterus reduces the risk of future pyometra and eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers, providing long-term health benefits. In urgent cases, surgery may be done as an emergency to quickly address severe complications from the infection.
Treatment Options Pyometra: Non-Surgical Care
If surgery isn’t an option for treating pyometra due to other health issues, there are medical treatments available. These include giving fluids, antibiotics, and medications that help reduce and manage the infection without needing surgery.
However, medical treatments have risks. They might not fully clear the infection, leading to future problems, and they won’t address any underlying issues like tumours, which could be a long-term health concern.
A vet will use tests like blood work, ultrasounds, and bacterial cultures to decide the best treatment based on the specific situation. The choice between surgery and medical treatment depends on the pet’s overall health, age, and other factors.
Getting Pyometra Covered with Pet Insurance
What is Petsy Pet Insurance?
Petsy Pet Insurance is an insurance policy that reimburses 80% or 90% of vet costs for the treatment of your pet if they suffer an unexpected injury or illness (provided these occur after any applicable exclusion period has ended symptom free).
Our policy is customisable and you’ll be able to tailor the level of coverage, based on your preferences for the Benefit Percentage, Annual Limit, Annual Excess, whether or not you’d like Optional Extra Benefits (if your pet is less than 3 years old) and whether or not you’d like to include costs of Vet Consultations for your cover.
You get to see a summary of the cover when completing an online quote and have the option to select a preferred start date. After making the payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of cover and your policy documents by email.
For added peace of mind, we offer a complimentary Pre-Existing Condition Assessment for all our members. This includes collecting your pet’s vet history upfront which helps to fast-track any future claims and we’ll also let you know whether there are any pre-existing conditions noted in their medical history that might affect your ongoing coverage.
Claims are quick and easy, and your vet can submit claims on your behalf. Approved claims are paid into your nominated bank account.
What is a pre-existing condition?
Under the terms of the policy, Pre-existing Condition is defined as:
An Injury, Illness, Dental Illness, Behavioural Condition or Specified Condition (including Bilateral Conditions, recurrent Conditions and other conditions that are related to, secondary to, or results of) that:
- first occurred or showed symptoms of; or
- was identified or investigated by a Vet; or
- You were aware of or a reasonable person in the circumstances could be expected to have known about, before Your Pet’s First Date of Cover; before a change of coverage became effective, or during any applicable Exclusion Period.
Whether a condition is considered a pre-existing condition depends on when the signs or symptoms occurred and when the exclusion periods on your policy end. Anything that happened before the exclusion periods ended is considered a pre-existing condition because it started before your coverage began.
Covered by Petsy
We cover Pyometra as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition and your pet hasn’t shown signs or symptoms of the condition within the exclusion period.
Pyometra has a 14-day exclusion period. Once this period has passed and as long as your pet hasn’t shown symptoms, we can help to cover the vet costs for unexpected injuries and illnesses such as Pyometra.
Can Petsy Insurance Cover My Pet’s Hip Dysplasia?
It depends on when you started your policy. If the signs or symptoms of Pyometra appeared before your policy began or during the exclusion period, it won’t be covered. But if you had an active policy and Pyometra happened unexpectedly, we can help to cover the costs.
If you’re a Petsy customer and are unsure about your exclusion periods and when the symptoms first appeared, you can request a pre-existing condition assessment. We’ll reach out to your vet for your pet’s medical history and let you know if your policy can cover it.
If you’re considering Petsy Pet Insurance, you can also reach out to our customer care team on 1300 952 790 for more information.
Does Petsy cover Pyometra?
Yes, Pyometra is covered under our standard policy. However, we can’t cover it if it’s a pre-existing condition, – for example, if signs or symptoms appeared before your policy started or during the exclusion period. Petsy is here to protect you against unexpected vet costs.
How Petsy Pet Insurance can help with Pyometra
At Petsy, we understand how difficult it is when your pet faces Pyometra.
Our insurance can help cover the costs of treatment, but it’s important to start your policy early, before any signs or symptoms appear.
Stay alert to any signs of Pyometra, and seek veterinary care proactively. Catching things early can make a big difference in your pet’s well-being and help them receive the best possible care.
Waiver Form
You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and make sure to submit the completed form back to us within 14 days of the visit.
The conditions that this waiver applies to include cruciate ligament damage, intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, and lumps.
Here’s how to apply:
- Fill out Part 1: You start by completing Part 1 of the form.
- Vet Examination: Have your vet examine your pet and complete Part 2 of the form.
- Submit the Form: Send the completed form along with your pet’s full veterinary history to us within 14 days of the examination.
- Receive an updated Certificate of Insurance: Once the review is complete, we’ll issue an updated Certificate of Insurance detailing any reduced exclusion periods for specified conditions.
You can find the waiver form on our website under the ‘Policy Documents’ section, or contact us directly and we’ll send it to you.
Conclusion
Understanding hip dysplasia in dogs and cats is crucial for pet owners, as it significantly impacts the quality of life for affected animals. This condition, marked by a misalignment of the hip joint, can cause pain, reduced mobility, and other serious health issues if left untreated. Various treatment options are available, ranging from non-surgical therapies like weight management and physical therapy to surgical interventions such as Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS), Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO), Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), and Total Hip Replacement (THR).
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the specific needs of the pet. Non-surgical treatments are beneficial for managing mild cases, while surgical options provide more permanent solutions for severe dysplasia. Each treatment option has its costs and recovery timelines, emphasising the importance of early detection and proactive management.
Pet insurance, like that offered by Petsy, can be a valuable resource for covering the costs associated with hip dysplasia treatment. By understanding the condition and taking preventive measures, pet owners can better manage their pets’ health and ensure they lead comfortable, active lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hip dysplasia in pets is primarily caused by genetic factors, leading to abnormal development of the hip joint. Factors like rapid growth, excessive exercise, and poor nutrition can also contribute to its onset.
Watch out for signs such as decreased activity, difficulty rising, bunny hopping gait, and reluctance to climb stairs. Dogs and cats with hip dysplasia may also show signs of pain or stiffness in their hind limbs.
Veterinarians typically diagnose hip dysplasia through a physical exam, X-rays, and sometimes additional imaging tests. They assess the joint's range of motion, look for signs of arthritis, and evaluate the severity of the condition.
Treatment may include weight management, exercise modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgical procedures like total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy. The approach depends on the pet's age, size, and the extent of joint damage.
Yes, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and supplements like glucosamine can complement traditional treatments. These therapies aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life for pets with hip dysplasia.
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