22nd June 2009

Neuter Your Dog To Prevent Deadly Infection

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Vets from the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA, are urging pet owners to get their dogs neutered to prevent them getting deadly infections including ‘pyometra’ – a serious womb infection.

This warning comes after vets reported an alarming number of pyometra cases across its PetAid hospitals nationwide.

Pyometra is one of the most serious conditions of a female dog’s reproductive system. Pus accumulates in the uterus and this releases toxins into the body. In 2008, over 800 dogs with this condition underwent surgery to remove the infected womb. Because dogs with this condition can become seriously ill, surgery is of greater risk than neutering a dog when they are fit and well.

Senior Veterinary Surgeon Elaine Pendlebury said,: “Pyometra is a potentially fatal disease. All responsible dog owners should make sure their dog is neutered when they are well rather than when they are ill. Your vet will be able to explain to you what is involved with the operation. I urge dog owners to discuss this with their vet as soon as they get a new puppy or dog.”

Pyometra is most common in middle-aged to older female dogs that have recently been in season. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, sickness, excessive drinking and frequent urinating. There may be a vaginal discharge.

If a dog does develop pyometra, very mild cases can be treated with antibiotics but the infection will almost inevitably recur after the dog’s next season. “This is why the best option is to get a dog neutered when fit and well rather than when it is ill,” said Elaine Pendlebury. “Un-neutered dogs carry a risk of pyometra as they get older, especially if they have had repeated false pregnancies.”

“As this condition is related to the dog’s hormone levels rather than simply an infection, medicines such as antibiotics are not enough to cure the problem and usually the only option left is life-saving surgery."

PDSA vets treat thousands of pets suffering illnesses and infections that neutering can prevent. In addition, neutering prevents unwanted litters so reducing the number of stray and abandoned pets.

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