Bacterial Infection (Metritis) of the Uterus in Dogs

Bacterial infection of the uterus (metritis) is the acute or chronic swelling of the lining of her uterus caused by a bacterial infection after giving birth. This disorder can happen the day after she gives birth or even a week later. Sometimes your dog can contract metritis after an abortion (medical or natural) or a miscarriage, but this is quite rare. This disorder causes a high fever and vaginal discharge and can be a life-threatening emergency if your dog goes into shock from toxemia.

Bacterial infection of the uterus (metritis) is the acute or chronic swelling of the lining of her uterus caused by a bacterial infection after giving birth. This disorder can happen the day after she gives birth or even a week later. Sometimes your dog can contract metritis after an abortion (medical or natural) or a miscarriage, but this is quite rare. This disorder causes a high fever and vaginal discharge and can be a life-threatening emergency if your dog goes into shock from toxemia.

The first symptom you will probably notice is the bad smelling discharge (with or without pus) coming from your dog’s vulva (vaginal area). Some of the other symptoms of metritis are:

•  Fever
• Swollen abdomen
• Dark red gums
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Neglecting pups
• Lack of milk production
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fast heart rate
• Vulvar discharge

The cause of metritis is a bacterial infection commonly caused by Escherichia coli (E.coli), but can also be from streptococci, staphylococci, Proteus. Any of these bacterial infections may be prompted by:

• Problematic birth
• Long delivery (maybe with a large amount of pups)
• Obstetric manipulation (like vaginal examination amniotomy, or amnioscopy)
• Unbirthed fetus or placenta
• Natural or medical abortion or miscarriage
• Natural or artificial insemination (rare)

The veterinarian will need to do a complete physical examination of your dog including body temperature, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and a vaginal examination. You will need to provide all of the information you can on your dog’s previous medical history including any recent illnesses or injuries, date of pregnancy, complications during pregnancy, length of the whelping (birthing), how many puppies she had and if they all lived, recent changes in her behavior, and any changes in diet. Tell the veterinarian what symptoms she has had, when the symptoms started, and if they have gotten worse over time. The veterinarian will also need to perform a few tests such as complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry profile, electrolyte panel, urinalysis, stool sample, bacterial and fungal culture, and a vaginal swab. Your veterinarian will probably also do an ultrasound and digital radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen.

The veterinarian will probably want to admit your dog to the hospital to give her IV fluid therapy to stabilize the electrolyte imbalances and to help with shock if your dog has sepsis. Your veterinarian will start your dog on some broad-spectrum antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin and may give her prostaglandin F2 alpha to encourage the uterus to push out whatever is left inside. Most veterinarians will only use oxytocin if it is really necessary and even then with caution. This is because it may cause uterine contractions that are so severe that they are uncontrollable and may cause the contents of the uterus to be forced through her fallopian tubes instead of through the cervix to the vaginal canal. This is extremely dangerous and can sometimes cause death.

Once your veterinarian gets the lab results back that tell which bacteria is causing the metritis, he will put her on the specific antibiotic that will kill that bacteria. However, the metritis cannot always be controlled with medication and other supportive treatment, even if your dog is hospitalized. Therefore, if you do not plan to breed your dog, the best choice for your dog is to get her spayed right away. As a matter of fact, if your dog’s uterus is severely infected or at risk of rupture, your veterinarian will probably suggest getting your dog spayed immediately anyway. This is especially true when a portion of the placenta or deceased fetus is left in the uterus. Spaying your dog is a routine surgery that has little or no risk, and you can take your dog home the next day in most cases.

Your dog has a good chance of recovery if the metritis was mild and you got treatment right away or if you get her spayed. Getting your dog spayed is actually the suggested method of treatment in most cases because it eliminates the infection and the risk of future or recurring infection.

You will probably have to hand feed your dog’s puppies because she will probably be too sick to do it herself and the infection, or medication for the infection, may be passed through her milk. Be sure to follow up with your veterinarian and bring your dog back for a checkup and future appointments.