From what I've read on this board, pyometra is a very real danger for unspeyed bitches. I'm wondering how commonly it occurs and whether there are ways to prevent it apart from having a bitch speyed?

Hi,

Pyometra is a very dangerous infection that i feel is becomming increasingly common in unspayed bitches , and other than having a bitch spayed there (dont quote me to this as i could be wrong!) is no other way of preventing it.

HELEN.

A bitch is at risk from a pyometra every time she comes into season. If you show your dog then I would wait until she is past the breeding age of eight. If not then spaying whenever she is midway between her seasons. Remember spaying a healthy bitch can be risky but spaying a bitch that is seriously ill and old is even riskier.

Jesse

If keeping a bitch entire can cause a high risk of pyometra, I think there's something wrong there. You shouldn't have to operate on a dog to keep it healthy. Sounds like it could be something that has developed over the years from unsound breeding?

Is it from unsound breeding....or is it that sensibly & correctly very few bitches are now bred from but whilst good for the dog world that rather goes against Mother Natures plans :-)

That is more likely to be the answer. Brood bitches appear to be less susceptible to Pyometra to those bitchews that have never been bred from.

I don't know how common it is, as I have now had four bitches having regular seasons into middle age. The youngest is just under four years old, and is expecting her first litter.

A firend had a pet Collie Cross bitch that I just assumed was spayed, and she developed Pyo at 12 years old.

When my freind told me she was off her food and lethargic I didn't even think of Pyometra, until she mentioned excessive drinking! She was quite ill as she had left it several days thinking it was just the warm weather. Came through the spay without problems and lived another two years.

I have heard of bitches having Pyo after a first season.

A very famous show sheltie bitch Ch Myriehew Rosa Bleu, top dog one year had been spayed after her first season sue to this.

Is there anything that can be done to minimise the risk of infection setting in? Should the dog be 'confined' after the season for a short time while vulnerable?