Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection in entire female dogs requiring emergency treatment, with spaying being highly effective prevention.
Pyometra causes rapid systemic illness through bacterial toxin absorption, including lethargy, vomiting, excessive thirst, and abdominal pain. Closed pyometra can cause uterine rupture and fatal septic peritonitis if not treated urgently. Dogs with pyometra experience significant suffering during the illness period. Prompt recognition and surgical treatment are welfare-critical. The condition is almost entirely preventable through spaying, making spay decisions an important welfare consideration for entire females.