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September 2013

What Is Pyometra And How Does It Occur?

By | Pet Health
how to treat pyometra

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What Is Pyometra And How Does It Occur?

A non-spayed female dog or cat over the age of 6 years is more susceptible to pyometra than a younger dog.

Pyometra is a rather serious condition and is due to the infection of the uterus.

It is evidenced by the accumulation of pus in the uterus and if left untreated it can be fatal to your pet.

Though it affects both, it is more common in dogs than cats.

What Causes Pyometra

Pyometra is caused by increased amounts of progesterone, or the hypersensitivity of the uterus to progesterone. However, there might be a secondary infection caused by e. coli bacteria. Pyometra is triggered by a heat cycle that does not end up in pregnancy. After several years of heat cycles without falling pregnant, changes in the uterine wall promote this disease. Pyometra usually occurs two to eight weeks after the last heat cycle.

Differences Between OPen and Closed Pyometra

Pyometra can be open or closed. When open it means the accumulated fluid in the uterus starts leaking out through the vagina. And the pet may be seen licking the area. When closed it means the accumulated fluid is trapped inside the uterus and as more and more excessive fluid is produced it may eventually cause the uterus to rupture. When the uterus walls rupture death may occur within 48 hours even with aggressive treatment. Therefore a closed pyometra is more fatal than open pyometra.

Clinical Signs Of Pyometra

Early symptoms of pyometra are hard to notice especially for closed pyometra. An pet with open case of the disease may be noticed by frequent licking of her vaginal area to keep it clean. Symptoms of both conditions include but not limited to depression, fever, increased thirst and urination. As the pet gets more and more ill, it may start to vomit, get very depressed and if left untreated the pet will get dehydrated, collapse or even die from toxic shock especially with closed pyometra.

How To Confirm And Treat Pyometra

A more accurate way of diagnosing pyometra is using x-rays and/or ultrasound and blood analysis. Usually pyrometra is treated by ovariohysterectomy, surgical removal of the reproductive organs – in this case removal of the uterus and ovaries. Ovariohysterectomy is preferred and usually the perfect solution in advanced pyometra. In not so serious cases and may be when the animal is needed in a breeding plan, the patient may be given antibiotics and intravenous (IV) fluids. Supportive care is also an important element.

Watch this very informative video by Dr. Karen Becker:

How To Stop A Flea Infestation

By | Pet Health

Any pet owner at one time or another experienced flea infestation and is always a challenge to get stop it. how to stop a flea infestationA flea is a small wingless jumping insect that feeds on the blood of pets. It sometimes transmits diseases through its bite, including plague and myxomatosis. So you can see how important it is to stop flea infestation.

Fleas hide in pets’ fur, clothing, bedding, etc therefore realize that an effective flea elimination should involve treating both your pet and surroundings – wherever your pet lives and moves or likely to move around.

Pet owners employ different methods and tools to fight these dreadful creatures. These include;

  • Flea shampoo
  • Flea dip
  • Flea collar
  • Flea comb
  • Flea powder
  • Flea spray
  • “Spot-on” treatment
  • Oral medication
  • Healthy Nutrition
  • Vacuum Cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Etc

Below is a step by step process on how to combine some of the above to have an effective system to combat flea infestation, however its effectiveness will depend on the severity of the problem;

1. Give your pets Capstar, a pill that kills adult fleas in 4 hours after the pet has swallowed it.

2. Next give it a dose of Lufenuron (“Program”). Lufenuron causes live fleas to lay eggs that won’t hatch and the existing eggs will also not hatch. So at this stage adult fleas are killed by Capstar and any eggs laid or going to be laid are taken care of for 4 weeks.

3. At the same time spray the house and the yard i.e. surroundings in contact with the pet, with Cedarcide. Cedarcide is a non-toxic solution that contains organic cedar oil and is effective in killing fleas and their eggs. This step is a combination of the above two but this time working on the environment. Some pet owners use foggers but because of their toxicity it may not be a good idea to use them.

4. To strengthen your attack on the flea infestation sprinkle DE (diatomaceous earth) another environmentally friendly substance, white talc-like powder, which is not harmful to pets and people but deadly to fleas and bugs. It is normally used to preserve grain based foods from bug attack.

5. At this time all fleas are likely killed and/or made barren and laid eggs cannot hatch into young fleas, however fleas in the pupa stage are treated. Since there is nothing that kills the pupa stage, repeat the treatment, except the Capstar and Lufenuron Program in 7-14 days to kill the fleas that survived the first round and those that hatched from the pupa stage.

6. As the above treatments are performed augment them with vacuum cleaning every day and as a precautionary measure remove the bag or empty the vacuum canister into a garbage bag and throw everything away, out of the house.

7. Also remember to take all bedding, towels and other items the pets use and laundered them every 2-3 days.

8. To measure the effectiveness of these treatment steps set out flea traps. Note that flea traps, in this case, they would be used for flea control, trapping the fleas will just be a bonus. The primary use will be to monitor your progress. At the beginning they will fill up fast. The goal will be to have empty traps.

9. You may have young pets that are not ready for Capstar and Lufenuron Program in which they must be bathed with mild soap every day and use a flea comb to remove any fleas not washed away. A citrus blend of aromatherapy oils, which kills fleas on contact, can be used after bathing to add an extra measure against the fleas.

The above treatment steps against flea infestation attack are not failure proof and maybe varied how necessary however they are very effective because they address both the pet and the environment.

Skyway Animal Hospital
3258 5th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 327-5141

A veterinary hospital located in Pinellas County providing veterinary medical
and surgical care in St. Petersburg Florida and surrounding areas since 1961. Need veterinary care for your dog or cat?

We have the experience. Calls us for an appointment and let us help you with your best friend and companion.

 

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