Pyometra: A Guide for Female Cat Pet Owners
If you own a female cat who is not yet spayed, then you need to be aware of a condition called pyometra. In simple terms, this is an infection of the uterus. It can be quite painful for the cat and needs to be treated ASAP, but thankfully, it is also preventable. Keep reading to learn the details.
1. What causes pyometra?
Although pyometra is an infection, it starts with particular factors in the cat's levels of reproductive hormones. As a cat prepares to become pregnant, the lining in the uterus thickens. If the cat does not become pregnant during a particular heat cycle, the uterine lining will just thicken more during the next heat cycle. If enough heat cycles pass without the female cat becoming pregnant, then cysts start forming in the uterine lining. These cysts secrete fluid, and that fluid becomes infected with bacteria. Because of the way it progresses, pyometra is common in unspayed female cats who are kept indoors and do not become pregnant.
2. How is pyometra treated?
The recommended treatment for pyometra is typically to have the cat spayed. Spaying removes both the uterus and the ovaries. Not only does it treat the current bout of pyometra, but it also keeps it from happening again. If your cat has very severe pyometra when you take her to the vet, then your vet will probably recommend giving her antibiotics for a few weeks before she is spayed. This will help clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the body. It will also make it easier for your cat to recover post-surgery.
3. How can you prevent pyometra?
The easiest way to prevent this condition is simply to have your cat spayed while she is still young. If she is spayed, then she will not go into heat, and she won't have a uterus where lining and bacteria can build up if she is not allowed to become pregnant. Some people are hesitant to spay their cats because of the risk of post-surgical infection. However, this risk is very low. Your cat is more likely to develop a condition like pyometra or uterine cancer if she is left unspayed. And so, spaying your cat is almost always the best choice for her long-term health.
Pyometra can be scary, leading to intense pain, lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. To learn more, contact veterinarians who offer spaying and neutering services.