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Surgical
Correction of Pyometra in a 10yr old bitch
One of the biggest reasons for neutering a bitch early in life is to prevent
this common disease of the uterus. It only ever happens in entire bitches
usually over the age of 6 years. A sudden onset enlargement of the abdomen,
listlessness, thirst and sometimes a vulval discharge are the usual signs of the
disorder. The bitch rapidly becomes weak and will die if not operated on soon.
The uterus is removed in the same way as for a routine spay except that the
uterus is about 50 - 100 times bigger and the stress on the body is great. With
careful attention to anaesthetic monitoring and extensive use of i/v drips we
can save most cases these days. 25 yrs ago survival was as low as 50%, now we
expect better than 90%. Bitches neutered young will never have this problem.
Surgical entry via the right flank
Removal of the enormous uterus.
Removed uterus lying next to the patient
Wound closure
The bitch may need extra care during recovery but once the wound has healed
she should have a now lease of life and, because she is now neutered, will not
be troubled but reproductive problems in the future.
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