Pyometra
Pyometra – This word brings chills to veterinarians. Why? Because it signifies that a common surgery was not performed and a female dog of cat is now in a potentially life-threatening condition.
Pyometra is an accumulation of pus in the uterine body. If a female dog or cat is spayed, there is no way to contract this disease.
Pyometras occur in middle to older aged dogs. The signs or symptoms you notice may include depression, increased drinking, vomiting, a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina and noticing a distended abdomen. These signs typically occur 1-5 weeks after going out of heat.
Here is a link to an good article that summarizes the findings, risk and treatment options for pyometra.
If your dog is diagnosed with pyometra, your dog needs to have surgery to remove the uterus. There are many potential complications including the risk of death. In most cases, we will recommend that after undergoing surgery, your pet will need to be observed in an overnight, 24-hour facility.
Please consider the risk to your pet when you choose to decline having her spayed.