Pyometra

Literally means pus in the womb. This is rare in cats because most cats are spayed i.e. have the ovaries and womb removed early on in life. It is usually a disease of middle aged to older bitches most of which have never been bred.

It follows on from a season and comes in two basic forms – open where the cervix allows pus out to be seen, and closed where the pus is kept in the womb by the cervix being closed. A closed pyometra is usually more serious than an open one, and is obviously less easy to diagnose. Open pyometra is an easy diagnosis - the pus can be seen. Closed is less easy although there is a typical picture of the older bitch, recent season, drinking a lot and becoming very poorly indeed to help with diagnosis.

Surgery is the treatment option of choice, is highly successful and very satisfying to do.