Let's Recognize the Dangers of Pyometra
Pyometra does not only attack cats, but can also attack other animals such as dogs or cows. The word Pyometra comes from the Latin Pyo which means pus and metra which means uterus.
Pyometra is a swollen, infected and pus-filled uterus. Toxins and bacteria penetrate the uterine wall into the bloodstream causing a toxic effect that can endanger the cat's life.
Pyometra targets
Pyometra attacks female adult cats that are still productive and not spayed. Can occur in cats at any age, whether they have given birth or have never given birth, whether it's the first heat or even the tenth heat. Pyometra is a hormonal disorder and secondary bacterial infection that may or may not show symptoms. Occurs after a heat cycle that is not followed by fertilization.
Cats will show signs of this disease after 2 -4 months after the heat cycle. The period of highest risk of getting Pyometra is 8 weeks after the peak heat period ends.
Causes of Pyometra
Two main types of hormones produced by the uterus are the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Excess amount of progesterone or the uterus becomes hypersensitive to progesterone causes Pyometra, in other words cysts begin to form in the inside of the uterus, this condition is called "endometrial hyperplasia", at this stage the cat have not shown any symptoms of Pyometra. As the cyst grows, a large amount of fluid/mucus is produced and released by the ovary into the uterus. Bacteria (especially E. coli) move through the cervix, enter the uterus and colonize, because mucus and secretions are a good medium for bacteria to multiply, as a result the uterus will be infected and filled with pus.
Types of Pyometra.
1. Pyometra open (Open Pyometra).
When the cervix is open, pus and secretions can still be expelled from the uterus, it is usually seen that the vagina discharges pus (yellow/white fluid) and smells bad. This condition is easier to treat.
2. Pyometra closed (Closed Pyometra).
Cervix in closed condition. Pus and secretions cannot be expelled from the uterus. It is difficult to diagnose clinically, because there are no definite symptoms. Cats will look sicker than open pyometra because of the buildup of toxins (poisons) in the uterus. Because the amount of toxins that the body can not excrete increases, will make the kidneys work harder, without adequate treatment, the cat will die of kidney failure. Or it could be that the uterus ruptures due to the excessive amount of fluid, spilling its contents into the abdominal cavity, if this happens, the cat will die in less than 48 hours.
Symptoms of Pyometra.
Some of the visible symptoms:
1. Cats will more often lick the vagina, cleaning white / yellow fluid from the vagina (in the case of open pyometra).
2. Fever.
3. Weakness, vomiting, refusal to eat (in some animals).
4. Enlarged stomach.
5. May be unable to walk (weak in hind legs).
6. Excessive drinking, excessive urine output (some cats show symptoms of dehydration).
7. Significant increase in white blood cell count on blood tests.
How treatment.
Pyometra can be treated by giving:
Prostaglandin F2alpha and long-acting antibiotics are usually used in Open Pyometra. In closed Pyometra the success rate is less than 30%. The action is given intravenously (infusion). Prostaglandins will work to stimulate the uterus to contract, remove pus & secretions, antibiotics work to cure infections. This action takes 3-5 days. There are some opinions against the administration of prostaglandins because it can cause the uterus to rupture during contraction, in addition, there is a possibility that pyometra can recur.
Ovariohysterectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus / spay) along with antibiotics, at the time of surgery and postoperatively. Usually done for closed Pyometra. This operation must be carried out carefully so that the fluid / contents of the infected uterus does not spill and ensure that all parts of the infected organ are removed, if anything is left it can trigger postoperative pyometra again. This method is considered safer and more effective.
How to Prevent.
The best prevention for pyometra is to spay (sterilize) female cats before 6 months of age. If female cats are used for breeding, spay is highly recommended to be done after the breeding period is complete (age 4-5 years). Female cats should not be delayed for mating, more than 2 times the heat period.
