Pyometra in dogs

Pyometra in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Reviewed by Dr. Josephine Corrick
✔ MRCVS
BVMSci
BSc
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

Overview

Symptoms

Risk

Diagnosis

Vet treatment

Home treatment

Prevention

When to worry

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Pyometra in dogs

Pyometra in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Reviewed by Dr. Josephine Corrick
✔ MRCVS
BVMSci
BSc
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

Pyometra is a dangerous womb infection in unneutered female dogs. Around 1 in 4 entire bitches will have a pyometra by the time they are 10 years old. Without treatment, the condition is fatal.

Pyometra means ‘pus in the womb (uterus)’ and it's a medical emergency. The outlook is best for bitches who have prompt surgery to remove the diseased uterus. But surgery is expensive, and around 3% of treated bitches won't survive. The best way to protect your bitch against pyometra is to spay (neuter) her.

What is a pyometra in dogs? >What is a pyometra in dogs? [Overview

Symptoms of pyometra in dogs >Symptoms of pyometra in dogs [Symptoms

Dogs at higher risk of pyometra >Dogs at higher risk of pyometra [Risk

Diagnosis of pyometra in dogs >Diagnosis of pyometra in dogs [Diagnosis

How do vets treat pyometra in dogs? >How do vets treat pyometra in dogs? [Vet treatment

Home care for a dog with pyometra

Tips to prevent pyometra in dogs >Tips to prevent pyometra in dogs [Prevention

When to worry about a dog treated for pyometra >When to worry about a dog treated for pyometra [When to worry

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