Ovariohysterectomy for Pyometra in Dogs

Ovariohysterectomy is the term veterinarians use to describe the complete removal of the female reproductive organs in dogs, including the uterus and uterine horns. Pyometra is a condition in which the uterus become infected with bacteria and fills with pus, making the patient extremely ill. In many instances, when a canine is affected by pyometra, the veterinarian recommends an ovariohysterectomy, which is then termed: “ovariohysterectomy for pyometra”. 

The technique used in this procedure is identical to the procedure veterinarians use in a typical ovariohysterectomy, however, extreme care and precautions are taken to account for the pyometra and prevent the spread of infection. A case of pyometra is a medical emergency and prompt care is required, which may be obtained through a local veterinarian or emergency center. 

Ovariohysterectomy for pyometra in dogs will begin with stabilizing the patient and  administering intravenous fluids and a strong form of intravenous antibiotic, which will continue during and after the ovariohysterectomy. Once the patient is stable enough for surgery, the veterinarian will administer a pre-anesthetic followed by general gas anesthetic paired with oxygen supplementation. The patient will be shaved starting from the last rib of the rib cage to the pubis, then scrubbed with an aseptic solution. The patient will then be draped with a surgical drape before the veterinarian makes his/her incision. The uterus and uterine horns will be removed through the abdominal incision, but the organ will be clamped off to prevent pus from spilling into the abdominal cavity. The area which the reproductive organ occupied will be cleansed with a saline solution to remove any bacteria that may have entered the cavity during the procedure. The veterinarian will then close the canine’s abdomen with a suture pattern and material of his/her choosing, allowing the patient to return to recovery. 

An ovariohysterectomy is the most effective form of treatment for pyometra and prevents another case of the infection from developing. Medical treatment options are available for breeding female canines, but surgery is the only guaranteed prevention method. 

Following an ovariohysterectomy for pyometra, the canine will show an almost full state of norm within 48 hours. At-home recovery should last at least a week, preventing the patient from engaging in physical activity. The patient should rest in a padded area, away from noise and distractions in a secluded area of the home. 

The average cost for an ovariohysterectomy for pyometra in dogs is about $100 to $200. The total cost can rise if the patient is severely dehydrated or in a near-death state when presented to the hospital. 

Pyometra creates an emergency situation and can be costly for pet owners. If treatment is not sought out quickly enough, the prognosis for the patient will become poor. 

The best way to prevent pyometra is to spay the dog (via ovariohysterectomy) at an earlier point in time. Most canines can be spayed at four to six months of age if their general health is good. No other effective form of preventing pyometra is known, but pet owners do hold the option for less effective medical treatment for breeding dogs.