Metritis in Dogs
Metritis is inflammation of the endometrium (lining) of the uterus due to a bacterial infection, usually occurring within a week after a dog has given birth. It can also develop after a natural or medical abortion, miscarriage, or after a non-sterile artificial insemination. The bacteria that are most often responsible for infection of the uterus are gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli, which often spreads into the blood, causing a blood infection. The infection may lead to sterility, and if left untreated, septic shock, a lethal condition, may follow.
Symptoms and Types
- Discharge from the vulva that smells bad; discharge with pus, or pus mixed with blood; discharge that is dark green
- Swollen, dough-like abdomen
- Dehydration (the skin stays tented for a few seconds when pinched)
- Dark red gums
- Fever
- Reduced milk production
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Neglect of puppies
- Increased heart rate if the bacterial infection has become systemic
Causes
- Difficult birth
- Prolonged delivery, perhaps with a large litter
- Obstetric manipulation
- Retained fetuses or placentas
- Natural or medical abortion, miscarriage
- Natural or artificial insemination (rare)
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel, and a urinalysis. These tests will help your veterinarian to determine whether the bacterial infection has spread to the bloodstream, where the infection might have originated, and how dehydrated your dog is. You will need to give a thorough history of your dog's health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have precipitated this condition.
Diagnostic tools, like radiograph and ultrasound imaging, will allow your veterinarian to visually examine the interior of the uterus for any retained fetuses, excess fluid accumulation, and/or abnormal amounts of abdominal fluid production due to uterine rupture.
otic
Anything having to do with the ear
lope
A slower type of gallop
lysis
The breakdown of something or the destruction of something, biologically speaking
abort
To end the pregnancy early; in animals, usually used to describe similar circumstances as a ‘miscarriage' in humans. An abortion (n.) is used to describe the ending of a pregnancy whether purposeful or accidental.
vulva
The genitalia of a female; found on the outside
pons
The bridge at the bottom of the brain; makes up the brainstem
nag
A type of horse that does not belong to a particular breed
doe
A female goat, rabbit, or deer that has not been spayed
ion
An atom that has a positive or negative charge
pus
A product made of fluid, cell waste, and cells
ark
A term usually used in the context of care for rabbits; a little structure with a ridged roof that may be used to house rabbits.
genera
The plural form of the word ‘genus.’
spay
To take the ovaries and uterus out of female animals; makes them unable to reproduce.
uterus
The hollow bodily organ that holds the embryo and fetus and provides nourishment; only found in female animals.
radiograph
A record of body structures using an x-ray
urinalysis
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
endometrium
The innermost layer of the uterus
broad-spectrum
a) A type of antibiotic that kills both gram positive and gram negative bacteria.
b) A type of pesticide that is known to kill a whole variety of insects but also tends to affect other wildlife as well.
anaerobic bacteria
Bacteria that does not require the presence of free oxygen to live, survive, and reproduce; may even be hindered by the presence of free oxygen in their environment.
dehydrate
To take the moisture out of something
anaerobic
a) living in an environment lacking free oxygen b) pertaining to an organism with the ability to live in an environment lacking free oxygen.
metritis
A condition in which the uterus becomes inflamed
artificial insemination
A method of breeding in which semen is collected and stored to be inserted into the vagina without actual breeding activity; often shortened to AI in the veterinary world.
systemic
Something that is related to the whole body and not just one particular part or organ
placenta
The organ of mammals that comes while a female is pregnant; may also be referred to as afterbirth
infertile
Something that is not capable of reproducing
sepsis
A medical condition; the contamination of a living thing by a harmful type of bacteria