Introduction & Key Takeaways

Welcome! Dr. Duncan Houston here to walk you through pyometra—a serious uterine infection in unspayed cats that can be life threatening without prompt veterinary care.

• 🔹 Pyometra = pus-filled uterus and bacterial infection.
• 🔹 Most often caused by E. coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus.
• 🔹 Symptoms are often subtle—keep an eye out.
• 🔹 Diagnosis via exam, bloodwork, and ultrasound.
• 🔹 Treatment = emergency spay (ovariohysterectomy) + supportive care.
• 🔹 Prognosis is good if treated early. Fatality ~5.6% in cats.
• 🔹 Spaying prevents pyometra entirely.

1. What Is Pyometra?

Pyometra is a uterine infection where bacteria invade and cause pus buildup. It follows repeated heat (estrus) cycles and hormone-driven thickening of the uterus lining—known as cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Without intervention, it can lead to sepsis, rupture, and death. Routine spaying removes the uterus and ovaries—the only effective prevention.

2. Who’s at Risk?

Any intact female cat is at risk—but especially:

• 🔹 Older than 5 years.
• 🔹 Oriental breeds (Sphynx, Siamese, Ragdoll, Bengal).
• 🔹 Cats given progesterone/estrogen medications.

Prevalence remains relatively low (about 2.2% in unspayed cats under 13 years) but is still critical to watch for :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

3. Signs & Clinical Features

Symptoms are often vague but may include:

• 🔹 Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea
• 🔹 Lethargy, fever, increased thirst/urination
• 🔹 Abdominal swelling or pain
• 🔹 Discharge from the vulva (often minimal due to grooming)

If you notice unusual behavior—think: “Off again”—especially in an unspayed female, contact your vet promptly :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

4. Diagnosis

Stepwise vet approach:

1. History & physical exam: note heat cycles, medications.
2. Bloodwork & urinalysis: check for infection, dehydration.
3. Imaging: X‑ray + ultrasound (gold standard).
4. Cytology/culture: identify bacteria and ideal antibiotics.

Ultrasound confirms pus‐filled uterus and helps assess severity :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

5. Treatment Protocol

This is a veterinary emergency requiring prompt action:

• Stabilization: IV fluids, pain relief, antibiotics (e.g., Clavamox, Convenia, Zeniquin) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Surgical spay (OVH): removes uterus & ovaries; high success with early treatment :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Alternative medical therapy: select cases (open pyometra) may use prostaglandins—but riskier and less effective :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Recovery usually involves a 2-week rest with pain meds, antibiotic course, and an e‑collar or recovery suit.

6. Prognosis & Aftercare

Overall survival rate is high. Fatality ~5.6%—linked to delayed intervention :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Recovery advice:

• 🔹 Keep incision clean; watch for discharge/redness.
• 🔹 Prevent licking with a cone or suit.
• 🔹 Limit activity; crate or small room recommended.
• 🔹 Attend your vet's 10‑14 day recheck.

Always give meds exactly as directed and follow aftercare to prevent complications.

7. Prevention

This disease is 100% preventable via spaying. Early spay (around 5–6 months old) is ideal—both safer and cheaper than treating pyometra later :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

At Ask A Vet & Woopf, we offer affordable, expert-guided spay packages with flexible payment plans to support you and your feline friends.

8. Breed‑Specific Notes

Oriental breeds (e.g., Sphynx, Siamese) are especially prone due to genetic predisposition to CEH :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. Early spay is vital for these breeds.

9. FAQs

How long can a cat survive untreated?

Without treatment, pyometra is fatal—often within days to weeks, depending on whether the cervix is open or closed :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

What are the earliest signs?

Watch for subtle changes: reduced appetite, fatigue, extra grooming under the tail, or mild discharge :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Is medical (non‑surgical) treatment effective?

Sometimes for open pyometra—but carries higher relapse risk. Surgery remains safest and most reliable.

How much does pyometra surgery cost?

Expect $750–$2,000+ in emergency contexts :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}. Ask A Vet offers financing, CareCredit options, and helps improve affordability.

10. Supporting Your Cat

Care doesn’t stop at surgery:

• 🐾 Monitor incision daily.
• 📅 Maintain medication schedule.
• 🧘 Supply quiet, stress‑free resting area.
• 🍲 Encourage eating with tempting, bland food (chicken, rice).
• 📱 Use the Ask A Vet app for check‑ins, Q&A with clients, follow‑up guidance and peace of mind after you go home.

11. Conclusion

Pyometra is a serious but preventable disease. With early recognition, prompt veterinary care, and spaying, the outcome is very good.

Choose spaying as both protection and a responsible step in your cat’s lifelong health journey.

For expert support, reach out to Ask A Vet, connect via video consultations, and download the app today for round‑the‑clock access to vet advice.