How much does it cost to spay a dog with pyometra? A Complete Guide

What Unexpected Costs Can Occur From Pyometra Surgery?

Extended hospitalizations following surgery are the most common extraneous cost related to pyometra surgery. Extra inpatient care is usually reserved for dogs that endured a more chronic case of pyometra from the start or experienced complications during the operation. Short hospitalizations usually run between $700 and $1,500, whereas longer hospitalizations can vary in cost from $1,700 to $3,500.

Given that pyometra causes pretty dramatic swelling of the uterus, surrounding blood vessels can become stretched and vulnerable to ruptures both before and during surgery. When excessive blood loss does occur during surgery, a blood transfusion may be necessary. Individual units of blood can cost $150 to $300 per bag.

Pyometra surgery overview

There are two types of pyometra: open and closed. In open pyometra, the cervix stays open, but the infection drains from the uterus, often the first sign of pyometra, whereas in closed pyometra, the cervix is sealed, trapping the infection inside of the uterus. In this scenario, it can be more severe since there’s no escape from the infectious discharge, often leaking into the bloodstream and abdomen, eventually leading to death if untreated.

Before the treatment, your vet, depending on the circumstances, may want to take a blood test, urinalysis, culture analysis, radiograph and/or ultrasound. Blood tests can help diagnosis pyometra since the white blood cell count will be high, often an indicator of the disease. A urinalysis can be ordered to check the urine concentration. In the case of pyometra, a low urine concentration may point to the disease as well. Radiographs and an ultrasound can both examine the uterus to see how swollen it is and help determine if the animal is either pregnant or suffering from the fluids causing the swelling.

During the surgical procedure, the dog will immediately be put on fluids to help keep the dog hydrated. The procedure is going to be similar to that of a spay; however, the chances of risk is greater due to the chance of toxic contents mixing with the uterus. To prevent the toxins from mixing in, the vet will often create a “dam” that is used to create a barrier. With the barrier, they will be able to remove the pus.

Most pets, as long as the surgery is deemed successful, will recover in a few weeks. Your pet will have to stay a few days at the local vet hospital.

Is it too late to spay my pet and prevent a pyometra?

It is never too late to spay your pet. If your pet is older, bloodwork may be recommended before surgery.

Dog Pyometra. Why it is so dangerous and how much does it cost?

Pyometra in dogs or cats is a disease that affects females that have reached reproductive maturity. It is a uterine infection. It should be treated as soon as possible, as it can lead to sepsis, peritonitis, and kidney failure.

In simple terms, the pyometra is an accumulation of pus in the uterus, which occurs due to hormonal changes in the reproductive tract of the female dog or cat. After estrus or the “heat period”, progesterone levels remain elevated for several weeks, stimulating the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for pregnancy. If the pregnancy does not occur several cycles in a row, the mucosa continues to grow in thickness, forming cysts in the uterus. This environment is conducive to the development of bacteria and subsequent infection.

Pyometra is a disease that endangers the lives of female dogs or cats and must be treated immediately.