PrintPyometra and Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia in Dogs
The abnormal thickening (pyometra) of the uters' lining can occur in dogs at any age, although it is more common in dogs that are six years of age or older. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia, meanwhile, is a medical condition characterized by the presence of pus-filled cyst inside the dog's uterus, causing the endometrium to enlarge (also known as hyperplasia).
Prognosis is often positive for both conditions; however, if the dog's cervix is closed, it can be a life threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
These two conditions can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how pyometra and cystic endometrial hyperplasia affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
Symptoms and Types
Signs may include:
- Abdominal distention (from an enlarged uterus)
- Vulvar (vaginal) discharge
- Closed cervix
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Frequent urination
Causes
One of the known causes of this condition in dogs is repeat exposure to estrogen and progesterone. The formation of cystic endometrial hyperplasis is often progressive, often following the development of a thickened uterine lining.
Intact older female dogs that have never given birth are at a higher risk of developing pyometra or cystic endometrial hyperplasia.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform an examination to review the type and severity of your dog’s discharge, as well as to view whether the cervix is open or closed. X-rays and ultrasounds will be used detect the size of the uterus, and to determine if the dog is pregnant.
progesterone
A hormone that is created at the time of pregnancy
pus
A product made of fluid, cell waste, and cells
uterus
The hollow bodily organ that holds the embryo and fetus and provides nourishment; only found in female animals.
lavage
Irritating tissue with a great deal of some type of fluid
pyometra
The presence of pus in the uterus
estrus
The time period in which a female is receptive to male attention
distention
The process of making something larger by dilating or stretching it
endometrium
The innermost layer of the uterus
estrogen
The type of female hormone produced in the ovaries that contributes to sex drive and female characteristics
breeding value
The maximum potential that an animal has as far as its potential profit in terms of meat, eggs, milk, or other goods useful to people; may also refer to their ability to mate and birth and nurse young.
