Complications in surgically treated pyometra cases
In total, there were specific complications and prolonged postoperative hospitalization of the surgically treated bitches observed in 25% (78/315) and 19% (60/315), respectively. The specific complications observed were peritonitis (13%, 40/315) including eight bitches with ruptured uterus, urinary tract infection (6%, 19/315), wound infection (3%, 8/315), uveitis (2%, 6/315), and cardiac arrhythmias (1%, 5/315).
When is a pyometra surgery recommended?
Surgery is recommended for all pets displaying symptoms of pyometra. Early detection and treatment of a pyometra infection lead to better surgical outcomes.
Symptoms of Pyometra include:
Admission Time – Bring your pet to Anicira at 7 am.
Food – You may feed your pet a quarter of their normal breakfast no later than 6 am.
Water – Your pet may have water up until the time of the surgery.
Pre-surgical exam – Your pet must be in good health and show no signs of sickness such as coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, or diarrhea.
Medical records – Please bring proof of rabies vaccination if this has not already been provided. If your cat or dog has not been previously vaccinated or lacks proof of vaccination, we will administer a rabies vaccine on the day of surgery.
If you have not already sent your medical records, please bring all relevant medical records.
Before surgery, our veterinary team will perform a thorough pre-surgical examination to ensure that your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia. It is strongly recommended that your pet receives pre-anesthetic blood work to ensure that no health concerns go undetected.
Your pet will be stabilized with intravenous fluids and then they will be sedated and placed under general anesthesia. The surgical team will prepare the surgical site by shaving then cleaning the area to remove bacteria and decrease the likelihood of post-surgical infection
The surgeon will make an incision in your pet’s abdomen, remove the uterus and ovaries, and then close the incision.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Pyometra Surgery for Dogs?
The overall risk of this surgery is moderate to low. The major risks are those of general anesthesia, bleeding (hemorrhage), postoperative infection, peritonitis and wound breakdown (dehiscence) over the incision. Overall complication rate is low, but serious complications can result in death or the need for additional surgery.
Dog pyometra infected uterus. Dr. Dan explains.
Your dog has undergone major surgery and is now being discharged for continued care at home. Your job during the recovery period at home is just as important as the surgical procedure just performed.