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	Info on Pyometra. Please Q: Please give information on Pyometra,my B.M.D. bitch (2yrs)has suspected Pyometra,she is on a course of Synulox, if it does not clear up what are the alternatives,she is very well in herself, stomach not pendulous ,not drinking excessively,discharge clear/cloudy, on anal examination uterus enlarged, frequently licking ,male dog very interested, could it be any thing else? Thank you ,Val.

A: Pyometra is an infection of the lining of the uterus and is a fairly common problem in bitches. It usually affects older bitches, especially bitches left entire but never bred. It occurs following seasons. The usual pattern is a season followed by development of the pyometra up to 3 months afterwards. Signs typically include increased thirst, dullness, vomiting, anorexia, sometimes a vaginal discharge which may vary in character from bloody to pussy... However the manifestations can be very variable, and diagnosis can be difficult especially when there is no vaginal discharge (closer pyometa). During the season the uterine lining thickens, this can become exaggerated in the hormonal changes following a season and can become infected thus pyometra. The infected uterus then acts like a large abscess in the bitch's abdomen. Your bitch is obviously at the younger end; pyos at this age are often atypical. Response to antibiotics is variable. Often signs will improve for a while and then the problem recurs. The treatment of choice for pyometra is ovariohysterectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries surgically). This is a serious operation but is often fully successful. Some people use prostaglandin injections to treat the condition rather than surgery and the success rate can be good. This treatment is more commonly used in younger bitches where the owners hope to breed from the bitch at later date and so want to avoid spaying. This may be an option for your bitch. Discuss with your vet the clinical progress of your dog, and any breeding aspirations you may have. Angela Bodey MRCVS (Vet for PetPlanet)

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