Pyometra, Canine - contd.

ClinicalSigns
Signs of pyometra usually appear between one to two months after the female is in heat, or after the hormone progesterone has been administered. Common symptoms include vaginal discharge, anorexia, lethargy, pyrexia, depression, polyuria, and polydipsia. Some dogs remain asymptomatic except for a thick, vaginal discharge. This discharge is usually purulent, or pus containing, but may occasionally be mixed with blood.

Physical examination reveals abdominal distention, an enlarged, palpable uterus, vaginal discharge if the cervix is open, and lethargy. A closed-cervix pyometra more likely will result in the animal showing signs of septicemia, including shock, hypothermia, dehydration, vomiting, and collapse.

Symptoms
Common symptoms include foul or bloody discharge from the vulva, loss of appetite, inactivity, fever, depression, and increased water consumption and urination. The abdomen frequently enlarges. Severely affected animals may show signs of blood poisoning, with pale mucous membranes, cold extremities, reduced body temperature, vomiting or collapse. The presence of vaginal discharge is variable.