Dog pyometra (infected womb)
Pyometra is a serious, often life-threatening infection of the womb in unspayed female dogs, and it usually develops in the weeks after a season (heat). If your unspayed female dog is drinking and urinating much more than usual, off her food, lethargic, vomiting, or has a swollen belly or a smelly discharge from the vulva, call a veterinarian now. Some dogs have a closed pyometra with no discharge, which is even more dangerous. Treatment is usually emergency surgery, and the sooner it happens, the better the outcome, so do not wait to see if she improves.
Go to a vet now if
- An unspayed female, usually weeks after a season, who is suddenly unwell
- Greatly increased thirst and urination, off food, or vomiting
- A swollen, painful belly, or a smelly discharge from the vulva
- Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
Call a vet today if
- Mildly increased drinking after a season with no other signs (mention it to your vet promptly)
What to tell the vet
- Whether your dog is spayed and when her last season was
- Drinking, urination, and appetite changes
- Any vulval discharge and its smell
- Vomiting, lethargy, or a swollen belly
- Her age and weight
- Any conditions or medications
What not to do
- Do not wait to see if she improves — pyometra can become life-threatening quickly
- Do not give human medicines
- Do not assume no discharge means no problem — a closed pyometra is more dangerous
What your vet may check
Your vet may examine her, run blood tests, and use imaging to confirm an infected womb. Treatment is usually emergency surgery to remove the womb, with fluids and supportive care; medical management is sometimes considered in specific cases.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
After surgery, follow your vet's plan for rest, pain relief, and wound care. Supportive nutrition to rebuild condition during recovery is used on veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is pyometra in dogs?
Pyometra is an infection that fills the womb with pus, in unspayed female dogs, usually in the weeks after a season. It is life-threatening and usually needs emergency surgery.
What are the signs of pyometra?
Increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, a swollen belly, and sometimes a smelly vulval discharge. A closed pyometra has no discharge and is more dangerous.
How is pyometra prevented?
Spaying (neutering) a female dog removes the womb and prevents pyometra. Discuss timing with your vet; until then, watch unspayed dogs closely after each season.
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Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows AVMA, Merck Veterinary Manual, ASPCA Animal Poison Control, and small-animal emergency-medicine standards, reviewed by our veterinary advisory board.