UTERINE INFLAMMATION IN DOGS AND THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Uterine inflammation is a common reproductive disease in dogs. The disease occurs due to hormonal changes after the estrous cycle, creating favorable conditions for bacterial invasion and growth in the uterus. The mortality rate from pyometra (pus-filled uterine inflammation) depends on the timing of diagnosis and the chosen treatment method. If not detected and treated promptly, the condition can lead to septicemia and death. Let’s join Fivevet in exploring uterine inflammation in dogs and establishing the most effective treatment protocol. 1. Characteristics of Uterine inflammation in dogs
Uterine inflammation in dogs, also known as pyometra. There are two main causes of the disease: The primary cause is abnormal changes in the hormone progesterone, which often occur in female dogs that are not bred or have irregular breeding cycles. The secondary causes due to bacteria such as E. coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Bacteroides, Pasteurella, ... These bacteria can enter and infect the reproductive tract during whelping, mating, or through reproductive interventions.
Not allowing pets to breed or use hormonal contraceptives increases the risk of uterine inflammation.
2. Symptom
Dogs with uterine inflammation have symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, laziness, drinking a lot of water, swollen abdomen, pus discharge from the vulva, mucus that may contain pus, blood, leading to sticky fur under the tail, foul-smelling odor.
The vulva is blocked, the dog often turns its head to lick the vulva. On examination, there is abdominal pain and distension. 3. Diagnose
Based on clinical symptoms, ultrasound is the most effective method for diagnosing uterine inflammation. In addition, blood tests, vaginal cytology, or X-rays may be performed to detect signs of infection and abnormalities in the uterus.
4. Prevention
Nutritional regimen: provides adequate nutrients and strengthens the immune system to fight against disease-causing agents.
Disease prevention hygiene: Ensure a clean, dry, and well-ventilated living environment. Regularly clean the dog's genital area using saline solution or specialized products, especially during estrus and after mating.
Monitor the dog's health condition and take them to the veterinary clinic for regular check-ups. After the reproductive period, prophylactic antibiotic treatment should be used. Avoid overusing contraceptive drugs. Sterilization is also an effective way to prevent uterine inflammation in dogs.
5. Treatment
The treatment of uterine inflammation includes 2 methods: conservative and internal medicine treatment or surgical intervention. Depending on the disease's progression, the diagnosis time and the doctor's advice choose the appropriate treatment method.
Internal medicine treatment:
- Intramuscular injection of Five-Prost: 0.016ml/kg Bw, single dose only.
- 24 hours after the administration of Five-Oxytocin: 0.5-1ml/head.
- Uterine flushing: Use a saline solution (0.9% NaCl) mixed with Five-Iodine (100 ml of 0.9% NaCl + 0.5 ml of Five-Iodine) for uterine irrigation. Perform thorough irrigation until the discharge is free of pus and blood residues.
- Use one of the following antibiotics:
+ Five-Amox@.LA: 1ml/5kg Bw, each injection is administered 48 hours apart.
+ Five-Lincopectin: 1ml/5kg Bw/day, duration: 5-7 consecutive days.
Combine with anti-inflammatory medicines such as Five-Mexicam 0.5% (1ml/25kg Bw) or Five-Ketofen (0.1ml/5kg Bw) or Five-Gluco.KC namic (1ml/7-10kg Bw/day). Supportive treatment:
+ Five-Butasal: 0.5-5ml/head/day.
+ Five-Bcomplex inj: 1-5ml/day.
Surgical intervention:
If the inflammation is severe, does not respond to repeated treatments, and recurs frequently, surgical removal of the uterus should be performed. Use antibiotics: Five-Amox@.LA, Five-Genamox, …;  anti-inflammatory medicines: Five-Ketofen, Five-Gluco.KC namic, Five-Chymosin, …; supportive treatment, infusion and adequate nutritional provide: Five-Butasal, Five-Bcomplex inj, Five-Vitamin K Inj, Five-Acemin.B12,…