Petra was suffering from a pyometra, an infection of the uterus that that can be fatal in cats and dogs. Pyometra usually occurs in older females, with about 25 percent of them suffering from pyometra before the age of 10. Radiographs showed Petra’s distended belly containing a greatly enlarged uterus filled with pus.
The Pros of Partial Spay. Spaying has become such a standard practice that many of us don’t give it a second thought. We know it’s absolutely necessity to help stem pet overpopulation. In fact, spaying has been the key factor in reducing the number of euthanized dogs and cats from 23.4 million in 1970 to just under 3 million now. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus that occurs in unspayed dogs and cats, usually a few weeks to a few months after a heat cycle. It can happen at any age, but the likelihood increases the older an intact female gets. In the U.S., we encourage spaying dogs and cats early to prevent unwanted pregnancies and mammary cancer. Resolves within days to weeks with proper medical treatment and/or surgery but can be a fatal condit. Treatable by a veterinarian. Spaying female cats at an early age will prevent pyometra later in life. Transmission is not possible between animals, or from animals to people. Diagnosis requires physical exam, lab tests, x-rays, and/or ultrasound ED9i. 419 291 166 265 334 30 442 466 480