Canine Pyometra Release Form

Pyometra is an emergency surgery to remove an abscessed, pus-filled infected uterus of an older unspayed female dog. With each heat cycle, the uterus engorges to support a potential pregnancy. Over time, these repeated cycles can cause the uterus to become thicker and develop excessive tissue. The immune system keeps the normal vaginal bacteria to a healthy level.

During the prior heat cycle, bacteria were able to cross through an open cervix. The bacteria then set up colonies and easily reproduced in the excessive uterine tissue. Bacteria will continue to multiply until symptoms become apparent, about one to two months later.

There are two types of pyometra, closed and open. The closed pyometra is an emergency. Dogs that have an 'open' pyometra have a better outcome because the cervix is open, causing purulent vaginal discharge. The 'closed' pyometra has a closed cervix, causing the purulent discharge to build up in the uterus. The lack of vaginal discharge causes the patient to become very sick due to the buildup of pus in the uterus over time.

In both types, toxins and bacteria leak across the uterine walls and into the bloodstream, causing sepsis. The best treatment includes supportive medical care and spaying the dog. The emergency surgical procedure involves the complete removal of the ovaries and all the uterus, thereby eliminating the infected and pus-filled uterus. Spaying is an irreversible means by which a female dog is rendered sterile. Without surgery, death is inevitable.

Before performing any procedure that requires anesthesia, bloodwork is run to confirm your pet’s overall health. This can reveal certain health conditions that could put your pet at risk while under anesthesia. Typically, this bloodwork is completed before the day of surgery for the best surgical and medical planning. There may be situations where we perform this bloodwork here at our hospital on the day of the surgery. If the results are abnormal, the doctor will contact you regarding treatment options.

All animals undergoing anesthesia require an overnight fast and a full day of hospitalization. Our pre-medications and anesthesia can cause nausea during the procedure. If your pet vomits while under anesthesia, they can aspirate the vomit and cause aspiration pneumonia.

A leg is shaved for an intravenous catheter that is placed before surgery for direct access to the vein in the event of any complications. Intravenous fluids are also given during surgery to support normal physiologic functions. Our doctors routinely provide an injection of a 24-hour pain reliever at the time of surgery. Additional pain medication is given post-operatively for your pet to take at home.

I, the undersigned owner or agent of the pet named above, certify that I am 18 years of age or older and authorize the veterinarians of Cranston Animal Hospital to treat or perform needed procedures on my animal. You are to use all reasonable precautions against pain, injury, or escape of my animal. You will not be held liable or responsible in any manner for unforeseen incidents or accidents caused by the care, treatment, or safekeeping of my pet. It is thoroughly understood that I assume all risks, and that some risks always exist with anesthesia. As with any general anesthetic procedure, there is a slight risk of an Idiopathic (unknown cause) Anesthetic Reaction (IAR), in rare situations that may be serious and result in death. IAR is thought to be a cardiac hypersensitivity when given the anesthetic at its accepted and standard dosage. IAR has no predisposing factors, does not appear to favor one breed or species over the other. It is not revealed in standard screening tests, thus making it impossible to predict in advance.