What is pyometra in cats? How to deal with it?

What are the symptoms of pyometra? Who does this happen to most often? How to recognize pyometra in a cat? When to seek help from a veterinarian? How to prevent this dangerous disease? I will try to answer all these questions in this article.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra are a disease syndrome that can be life-threatening for the animal. It is one of the most common reproductive diseases affecting older, intact females, and early diagnosis is extremely important. And although pyometra is most often associated with women, it can also occur in unsterilized cats.

What is pyometra?

Pyometra in cats is one of the most serious diseases of the reproductive system of these animals. This is much less common in cats than in females. Pyometra occurs mainly during estrus and between estrus. Она может возникать как в результате гиперплазии маточных желез (кистозная гиперплазия эндометрия — ГЭГ), так и как самостоятельная форма заболевания.

Most often, a subclinical infection of the uterus appears first, which can stimulate hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the uterine glands. The increased secretion of the uterine glands associated with this phenomenon increases the infection, leading to pyometra. The organism most commonly isolated from bitches and cats with pyometra is Escherichia coli.

How is pyometra formed?

When a cat approaches heat, the hormone progesterone surges. It is this that causes changes in the uterus - a wider opening of the cervix, preparing it for sperm and pregnancy. After a heat, progesterone levels remain high for several weeks. If a cat goes into heat several times a year and does not become pregnant, cysts will begin to develop in the thickened lining of the uterus.

When progesterone levels are high and the cervix is ​​open more and longer, bacteria normally found in the vagina can enter the uterus. Progesterone also causes a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the uterus. local weakening of the immune barrier (to protect sperm and facilitate fertilization). A swollen, open uterus, the close presence of vaginal bacteria and a low level of immune defense are ideal conditions for the development of pyometra.

Who can get pyometra?

The risk of pyometra increases with age, likely due to repeated hormonal stimulation of the uterus during successive estrus cycles. They most often occur in women over five years of age., both in women who have never given birth and in previously pregnant women. In young animals, this mainly occurs when treated with estrogen or progesterone.

An increased incidence of pyometra has been observed in countries where contraception was regularly used. In cats, the first symptoms of pyometra may appear at different times after the end of estrus.

Существует связь между частотой пиометры и сезоном. Большинство случаев — почти 60% — приходится на период с апреля по сентябрь. Осенью и зимой из-за укорочения дня и меньшего количества солнечного света cats enter a phase of sexual silence – a period without estrus (anestrus), when the ovaries do not work, and therefore the possibility of hormonal disorders is reduced.

What are the symptoms of pyometra in a cat?

Symptoms of pyometra can be very different - they can occur all together or selectively. Pyometra can be classified as so-called open or closed, depending on the presence or absence of vaginal discharge. Cats with patent pyometra develop a purulent or bloody purulent vaginal discharge. More severe symptoms may occur in cats with closed pyometra. How else does pyometra manifest in a cat? Typical clinical symptoms include: depression, dehydration, fever, emaciation, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal enlargement, increased thirst, increased diuresis.

If we notice the symptoms described above in our cat, we should take her to the vet immediately. Pyometra is a life-threatening condition for a cat—toxins that accumulate in the cat's body can lead to acute kidney failure or sepsis. An enlarged and swollen uterus can rupture and cause very dangerous peritonitis.

How to recognize pyometra?

The uterus is enlarged on palpation. Careful palpation allows you to determine its size, but keep in mind that forceful exploration may lead to its rupture. With an open pyometra, the uterus may not be enlarged in size.

Характерные симптомы, отклонения в анализах крови (нейтрофилия, умеренная нормоцитарная, нормохромная анемия, гиперпротеинемия и гиперглобулинемия, азотемия, повышение активности аланинаминотрансферазы и щелочной фосфатазы, электролитные нарушения — в зависимости от клинического течения), мочи (протеинурия, наличие бактерий в моче ), характерные признаки при цитологическом исследовании материала, взятого из влагалища (септические выделения, иногда содержащие клетки эндометрия матки, бактерии) и ультразвуковом исследовании брюшной полости подтвердят или исключат пиометру.

Pyometra in a cat or pregnancy?

If we suspect pyometra in a cat, we must always differentiate them from pregnancybecause the symptoms can be very similar. The goal of managing pregnancy and associated bacterial infection of the uterus is completely different from treating pyometra alone.

Radiographically, the pyometra and the gravid uterus look the same until the fetuses ossify (42-45 days after mating, which is relatively late, since pregnancy in cats lasts about 63 days). Ultrasonography can be used at any time - to assess the structure of the fetus, its vital functions, to confirm the presence of secretions in the lumen of the uterus and to assess the thickness of the uterine wall.

How to treat pyometra?

A method for treating pyometra in both female and female dogs. elective removal of uterus and ovaries (ovariohysterectomy). It is still one of the most commonly chosen treatment methods by doctors. Due to late diagnosis (nonspecific onset of the disease or varied clinical symptoms), patients are often in a state that does not directly entitle them to anesthesia and surgery.

Although the procedure should be performed as soon as possible, patients should first be stabilized and treated with anti-shock therapy if necessary. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and intravenous fluids should also be used. After the procedure, the kitten should be given water for at least a week. antibiotics and analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs and bacterial flora. Sometimes, when a cat is in serious condition, intravenous infusions and hospital treatment are necessary.

Conservative and drug treatment of pyometra is not recommended. Although antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes used to relieve symptoms, the disease can recur quickly.

How to protect your cat from pyometra?

The simplest and most recommended procedure sterilization of cats. You don't have to wait until the first heat; your cat can be spayed at about 6-7 months of age. This is a routine and safe procedure that will protect our cat from dangerous pyometra and unwanted pregnancy. The procedure itself takes a short time, and cats really like it they come together quickly. If you have any doubts or questions about the procedure itself, contact your veterinarian.

Let's also remember that do not use birth control on your catwhich cause a number of side effects. The risk of administering hormonal drugs, both long- and short-acting, to animals is high. There is always a risk of pyometra or other types of inflammation of the endometrium of the uterus, i.e. mucous membrane. Breast cancer is also possible.