Most people are familiar with the concept of spaying cats and dogs when young to prevent pregnancy and the ordeals of the female heat cycle. However significant additional benefits are achieved through early spay surgery.  Unsterilized cats and dogs can develop a serious infection within the uterus (the womb) that could be likened to developing an internal abscess. Especially common in pets over 6 years of age, the life threatening infection frequently causes pets to have a very poor appetite and lose weight. As it progresses over several days to weeks, it leads to lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dogs and cats with pyometra will still drink lots of water and some display a discharge from their reproductive tract, while others do not and the discharge builds up inside the uterus.

            Based on my experience as a general practitioner and as an emergency vet, I find that many pet owners are caught off-guard by this illness. Unfortunately, due to the dire nature of the infection, they are forced to make an emergency decision so that treatment can begin. Most of the time the owner’s best option is to proceed with surgery as soon as possible. Technically this surgery is the same spay that is elected every day by conscientious pet owners trying to prevent pet overpopulation. However there are major differences between a pyometra spay and standard spay. For one, the pet is sick and will need diagnostic tests and hospitalization for IV fluids to correct dehydration. Secondly, antibiotics are injected.  Last but not least, the uterus is enlarged and sometimes frail with greater blood flow leading to a more challenging surgery. Altogether, these differences result in significantly higher expenses as well.

            In a nutshell, this condition occurs more frequently than most pet owners are aware. Therefore, I recommend that you choose to have your vet spay your dog or cat when young and healthy to prevent both offspring and infection.