What is pyometra in cats?

Pyometra is an infection of the female uterus and causes the animal to become very sick. What this infection causes is that the matrix of the uterus fills with pus and although it is known that progesterone, estrogen and their receptors are involved in this infection, it is a bacterial component that promotes it.

It usually occurs in older cats, over 8 years of age, but younger cats that have been given estrogen and progestogen treatments to stop heat can also suffer from it. It can also occur in a very similar way in bitches.

When does it contract?

Although there may be other times, it is usually contracted in the last stage of the heat cycle, since progesterone levels are highest on that occasion.

When the vagina is ready to receive the male mount, the bacteria take the opportunity to enter it up to the cervix. By not achieving fertilization of the egg, the mucosa that is detached is an ideal channel for the storage of bacteria.

In addition, patients suffering from Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia, that is, cysts in the innermost layer of the uterus, have a high chance of contracting Pyometra. They generate secretions in the uterus that tend to generate bacterial overgrowth, increasing the risk of infection.

Pyometra symptoms and classes.

The first symptoms are not very representative of the disease, since we will notice our apathetic and not very expressive cat. But if we continue to observe that our cat urinates excessively, vomits, and discharges from the vagina between mucus and blood, it is likely that our animal has this infection.

There are two types of Pyometra that depend on the state of the uterus:

• Open pyometra: The cat’s abdomen is swollen, due to the accumulation of pus, the cervix remains open, so fluid secretions from the vulva are common. It is the least serious infection.

• Closed pyometra: Our animal’s discomfort increases, and the abdomen extends even more. The difference is found in that the cervix is ​​already completely closed and no secretion is observed. He is in a critical state and it is essential to go to an emergency vet. This kind of Pyometra is very easy to go unnoticed by the owners until the condition is very serious

If you detect any of these symptoms in your cat or you are giving her a treatment to stop the heat, we invite you to go to the vet. To avoid it, the ideal is sterilization on time, which in addition to avoiding Pyometra, prevents breast cancer. A regular examination of your pet can prevent or find diseases in time to avoid major problems.